FORMER Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan de-escalated his campaign of defiance today, saying that he would allow police to search his home following allegations that he was harbouring supporters suspected of violence during recent anti-government protests.

The former cricket star turned politician, who faces about 100 legal cases against him, also appeared before a court in his home city of Lahore to seek protection from arrest over multiple terrorism cases, which was granted by the judge.

Mr Khan also condemned days of violence by his supporters, who attacked public property and military installations last week after he was dragged out of a courtroom in the capital Islamabad and arrested for alleged corruption. 

At least 10 people were killed in clashes between his supporters and police across Pakistan.

The rioting subsided only when the Supreme Court ordered Mr Khan’s release, but police sought to detain him on charges of inciting violence by supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. 

He denies the allegation, saying that he was in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau over a corruption case when the clashes erupted.

Mr Khan was ousted last year in a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

He alleged that his removal stemmed from a Western conspiracy, but his successor, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, denies the claim.