At least five people have died and hundreds have been detained during violent protests in Pakistan over the arrest of Imran Khan – the country’s former prime minister – who has been remanded in custody for eight days.
A court hearing to determine whether Mr Khan could be detained for up to 14 days took place today at the police compound where he is being held, authorities said.
A judge decided he can be held in custody for questioning on corruption charges for just over a week.
Cordelia Lynch in Islamabad after arrest of Imran Khan 2:44
Play Video – ‘A very tense moment for Pakistan’
‘A very tense moment for Pakistan’
Pakistan’s GEO television broadcast footage showing Mr Khan appearing before the judge inside the temporary courtroom. The former premier was seen seated in a chair, holding documents, and appeared tired.
The 70-year-old was arrested by security forces at the High Court in the capital on Tuesday and dragged into an armoured vehicle and driven away.
Violent clashes have since erupted between his supporters and police in several cities, resulting in fatalities – one in the southern city of Quetta, and four others in Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan.
Smoke erupts from a burning objects set on fire by angry supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan as police fire tear gas to disperse them during a protest against the arrest of Khan, in Peshawar, Pakistan
Authorities in three of Pakistan’s four provinces have imposed an emergency order banning all gatherings following the violence.
Two provinces have asked the federal government to deploy troops to restore order.
Police said 945 of Mr Khan’s supporters have been arrested in Punjab province, more than 130 officers have been injured, 25 police vehicles set on fire, and around 14 government buildings severely damaged and looted.
