Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan apologises in contempt of court case

Charges are related to a speech in which he allegedly threatened police and judicial officers

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday issued an apology in a contempt of court case, his defence lawyer said.

Faisal Chaudhry said the court, which had directed Mr Khan to submit a written and unconditional apology, had deferred proceedings against his client.

The charges related to a speech in which Mr Khan allegedly threatened police and judicial officers after one of his close aides was denied bail in a sedition case.

“The court has appreciated the gesture,” Mr Chaudhry told Reuters on Thursday. He said such cases would typically be dropped after an apology.

“We will prepare and submit in writing an unconditional apology as sought by the court,” he said.

The high court in Pakistan was due to indict Khan and a conviction would probably lead to his exclusion from politics for up to five years. He could be sentenced to jail for six months if convicted of contempt of court.

Since his removal from power in a no-confidence vote in April, the former cricketer has campaigned for early elections in the country. He has held large rallies targeting state institutions, such as the country’s powerful army and judiciary.

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  The Pakistan Association Dubai is collecting donations for flood victims in Pakistan. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

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  The donation campaign is being undertaken in partnership with Dar Al Ber Society.

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  The campaign is focusing on collecting tents, dry food supplies, blankets, towels and bedsheets.

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  The donations are being collected at the Pakistan Association Dubai's headquarters in the Oud Metha district from 9am to 9pm.

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  Dr Faisal Ikram, president of the Pakistan Association Dubai, said that about 33 million people have been affected by the floods in the country.

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  Residents have been coming throughout the day to donate relief supplies.

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  Many people are donating hygiene supplies.

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  Residents are bringing boxes of supplies in their cars.

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  This weekend, the Pakistan Association Dubai sent 42 tonnes of relief supplies, with more to be shipped as donations continue.

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  The second phase of the campaign will be to rebuild communities.

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  The organisation will aim to rebuild homes, schools, mosques and hospitals.

Pakistan is currently reeling from catastrophic floods that have killed more than 1,500 people, affected more than 33 million and caused more than $30 billion worth of damage. The country is also battling soaring inflation and a near record drop in its currency, the rupee, despite securing a loan from the International Monetary Fund last month.