A PAKISTANI court extended a pause in the effort to arrest former premier Imran Khan.

Today’s decision by the Lahore High Court suggests easing tension after clashes erupted this week when police tried to detain the former prime minister.

The court ordered police to suspend the plan to arrest the opposition leader until Friday. It also asked Mr Khan’s legal team for talks to resolve the issue.

Today’s order sent a wave of relief through Mr Khan’s supporters, who were prepared to prevent police from reaching the former premier’s house in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province. 

Despite the order, police and paramilitary rangers deployed for Mr Khan’s arrest were not immediately withdrawn.

Usman Anwar, the police chief in the Punjab province, said the violence in Lahore began on Tuesday when officers went to comply with the court order and arrest Mr Khan. 

Today in Islamabad, Mr Khan’s legal team asked judge Zafar Iqbal to suspend the arrest warrants he had issued last week for Mr Khan, who is accused of illegally selling state gifts and concealing his assets.

On Wednesday, Mr Khan said in a video message that he was ready to travel to Islamabad on March 18 to appear before the court.