Explained: booked for terror, what lies ahead for Imran Khan

Pakistan’s former Prime minister Imran Khan faces likely arrest after police filed an FIR against him under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act on August 20. Khan reportedly threatened the country's institutions, police officials and a senior sessions judge at a mass rally on Saturday.

According to copy of FIR seen by news agency PTI, the case was registered at the Margalla Police Station of Islamabad at 10 pm on Saturday under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Moreover, the FIR reads that Khan in his speech had "terrorised and threatened top police officials and a respected female additional sessions judge" with the aim to stop them from performing their functions and abstain from pursuing any action against any individual related to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party.

Since April this year, Imran Khan has been carrying out massive rallies against the current regime after he lost power in a confidence vote.

During his mass rally in Islamabad on Saturday, Khan reportedly vowed to file complaints against police officers and a judge.

Additionally, Pakistan’s media watchdog has already put a ban on live telecasts of Khan’s speeches.

The FIR was registered after a complaint by magistrate judge Ali Javed, approached the cops.

What could Imran Khan face under Section 7 of ATA

Section 7 of Pakistan’s anti terrorism act say--Whoever commits a terrorist act shall---

(1) if such an act has resulted in the death of any person be punished with death;

(ii) in any other case be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but may extend to life imprisonment, and shall also be liable to fine.

Also watch: Imran Khan gets protective bail from arrest till Thursday

Typically after an FIR is registered under anti-terrorism act, the police arrest and interogate the accused. However, in the latest development according to a report in the Times of India Khan has moved the Islamabad court and sought pre-arrest bail in the case. As per reports by Pakistani media Imran could also be put under house arrest. The law enforcement agencies are said to be waiting for instructions from higher-ups. The interior ministry has reportedly sought written permission from the Prime Minister’s Office for Khan’s arrest. Meanwhile, Khan has been receiving massive support from party workers who have gathered outside his residence.

With Inputs from agency