Pakistan Supreme Court frees Imran Khan from custody

PAKISTAN’S Supreme Court ruled that former premier Imran Khan’s arrest by the anti-graft agency was illegal and ordered for the ex-cricket star to be freed from custody, a dramatic about-turn in the ongoing political drama.

Khan was presented before the top court that’s heard an appeal against his arrest, which has fuelled countrywide protests. Security officials were stationed around the court complex, and Khan’s party has told supporters to stay away. 

The rupee slumped to an all-time record low after the military was called in to quell the anger that erupted following Khan’s arrest on Tuesday. A special court had granted the National Accountability Bureau eight days of custody to investigate the corruption charges that the former cricket star was being held under. 

The escalation in violence comes as Pakistan’s economy is in deep distress. Moody’s Investors Service has warned the nation could default without an International Monetary Fund bailout as its financing options beyond June are uncertain. BLOOMBERG