How former Pak PM Imran Khan evaded arrest and what is the Toshkhana case

An Islamabad court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Imran Khan as he had repeatedly failed to appear before it. The case will be heard next on March 7

The speeches of Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan have been banned by Pakistan's electronic watchdog on Sunday.

The decision was to come into play with immediate effect and the development took place as he managed to evade arrest.

The directive to satellite television channels to ban telecast of any of Imran Khan's speeches was taken due to the provocative statements the leader has been making.

Khan however addressed party workers outside his Zaman Park residence and said that he never bowed to any man or institution.

Lashing out at his detractors, he said under the protection of former Pakistan Army Chief, General Qamar Bajwa, many government leaders and managed to stash large stacks of cash outside the country. They are being protected in legal cases, he alleged.

On Sunday, the Islamabad police arrived at Khan's residence in Lahore to arrested in connection with the Toshakhana case. However the police returned after being assured by Khan's legal team that he would appear before the court on March 7.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said that Khan in his speech was levelling baseless allegations and spreading hate through provocative statements against the state institutions and officers which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order and is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility.

The order said that airing of hateful, slanderous and unwarranted statements against state institutions is in sheer violation of Article 19 of the Constitution and the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile Imran Khan wrote to the Chief Justice of Pakistan highlighting the security risks he faces in the light of credible threats of a second assassination attempt.

The former Pakistan PM complained about not been provided adequate security despite being the former PM of the country. He further alleged that the current PM and interior minister were involved in the failed assassination attempt on him.

He also told the Chief Justice that there were clear indications of another assassination attempt on him.

There was high drama in Pakistan on Sunday after a team of the police reached Imran Khan's Lahore residence to arrest him.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice-Chairman and Former Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the media that there was no mention of arrest in the warrants and an Islamabad sessions court had directed Khan to be present before on March 7.
Last week the court had issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Khan and adjourned hearing on the matter till March 7. The warrant was issued after Khan repeatedly failed to appear before the court.

On Sunday the police first placed containers and blocked the main road leading up to the residence of of Khan. The riot police were pressed into service and water cannons were put in place.

Punjab Police Inspector-General Dr. Usman Anwar said in a statement that the Punjab Police would cooperate with the Islamabad police to implement the court's order regarding Khan's case. He however did not any mention of Imran Khan's arrest.

What is the Toshkhana case:

The Toshkhana case refers to Imran Khan buying gifts, including expensive Graff wristwatch which he had received as the premier at a discounted price. He had purchased this from the state depository called Toshkhana.

The Islamabad court had issued a non-bailable arrest against Imran Khan last week as he repeatedly failed to appear before the court. His legal team has assured the police that Khan would be present in court on March 7.