Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Imran Khan No-show in Court, Avoids Arrest

Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Imran Khan No-show in Court, Avoids Arrest
Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan move with a vehicle (C), carrying their leader Khan arriving for his court appearance, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Feb. 28, 2023. Anjum Naveed/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan failed to appear before a court in Islamabad on Tuesday to answer charges in a graft case against him. The no-show was apparently a legal maneuver by the ex-premier to avoid arrest.

The hearing was set by Judge Zafar Iqbal and Khan was required to appear in person to respond to charges of selling state gifts while in office. The same judge last week issued an arrest warrant for Khan but only the government of Khan’s successor, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, can order the police to take him into custody.