The court extended Khan’s pre-arrest bail till September 1, meaning he cannot be arrested before then. Police opened an investigation into Khan this week after he vowed to “take action” against the police chief and a judge during a speech in the capital on Saturday. “Listen Director Inspector General (of police), we will not let you go, we will file a case against you. And madam judge you should also get ready, we will take action against you,” Khan had said. he told his supporters during a rally in support of his former chief of staff, Shahbaz Gill. Gill was arrested earlier this month on charges of mutiny after he urged soldiers to disobey orders from military leaders. Khan has alleged that police tortured Gill while in custody, and the allegations have gained traction among his supporters. Islamabad police deny Khan’s claims. Tensions between Khan and the ruling coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have simmered since the former cricket star was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April. Khan has alleged a US-led conspiracy against him, accusing Sharif and the Pakistani military of working with Washington to topple his government. The United States, Sharif and the Pakistani military have denied the allegations. But Khan’s claims have struck a chord with the young population in a country where anti-American sentiment is common and anger at the establishment is fueled by a growing cost-of-living crisis. His enduring popularity has translated into recent victories for his party in provincial elections, and he has repeatedly called for a new parliamentary vote at mass rallies held since his ouster.
