This decision marks a major victory for Khan, who was arrested earlier in the week as part of a corruption inquiry, and exacerbates an ongoing political crisis in the country.

The court's ruling deemed Khan's arrest unlawful, following a legal challenge by his lawyers who argued for his release during Thursday morning's proceedings.

The outcome not only represents a significant political and legal triumph for Khan but also sets the stage for a direct confrontation between the Supreme Court and Pakistan's military. The military, widely believed to be the driving force behind Khan's arrest, now faces opposition from the judiciary.

Imran Khan, a former international cricket star who transformed into a populist politician, had been taken into custody due to his alleged involvement in a corruption case related to real estate transactions. Khan vehemently denies these charges.

His arrest triggered violent protests throughout the country, with thousands of his supporters rallying to his defense. These demonstrations led to attacks on military installations and clashes with security forces. (ILKHA)