The Islamabad High Court has granted former Prime Minister Imran Khan bail in a case where he is accused of hiding income during his time in power. However, despite this ruling, Khan will not be released from jail immediately as he is facing numerous other charges and remains under arrest.
The court's decision to grant bail provides a glimmer of hope for Khan, who has been in detention for over a year and is entangled in a web of legal battles ranging from corruption allegations to incitement of violence. Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, confirmed that the opposition leader will be released "soon" in relation to the specific case involving the sale of state gifts and alleged non-disclosure of income.
In response to the ruling, information minister Attaullah Tarar clarified that Khan's release would not occur immediately, citing the multiple other cases that Khan is still being held for. This development comes at a crucial time as Khan has called for a nationwide protest on November 24th, urging his supporters to march towards Islamabad to demonstrate against the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Leaders of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party have announced plans for a protest and potential sit-in in the capital until their demands, which include Khan's release, are met. The upcoming demonstration is anticipated to be one of the largest protests orchestrated by Khan, following the controversial elections earlier in the year that saw Sharif come into power. Amidst these tensions, the political landscape in Pakistan remains volatile as the opposition continues to challenge the government's legitimacy and policies.