Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan appears in court during a police raid on his home

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared in court on Saturday as police entered his home and after expressing fear of being arrested in a standoff with the government that led to intense clashes with his supporters .

Facing a series of legal challenges, including one that resulted in an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him on Tuesday, Khan was dealing with charges in court in the capital Islamabad of illegally selling state gifts given to him by foreign dignitaries during its mandate.

Hours earlier at his home in Lahore, the former cricketing legend told Reuters he had formed a committee to lead his party if he was arrested.

He led nationwide protests after he was ousted from power last year and has been the subject of a series of cases filed against him. Police tried unsuccessfully to arrest him on Tuesday.

Police entered his property after Khan entered Islamabad court. Earlier this week, police and Khan’s supporters clashed outside his home earlier in the attempted arrest.

Khan, who was shot and wounded while campaigning in November, said in an interview that the threat to his life was greater than before and claimed – without providing evidence – that his political opponents and the army wanted to prevent him from standing for election later this year. .

The military and government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Security was tight around the court complex where Khan, 70, arrived in a motorcade surrounded by supporters.

The court has already issued warrants for Khan’s arrest in the case because he failed to appear for previous hearings despite being summoned.