The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the immediate release of Imran Khan

The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan illegal and ordered his immediate release. This was reported by Reuters. 

Mass protests and riots broke out in Pakistan following the arrest of Imran Khan on charges of corruption.

"The Supreme Court overturned all trials against Imran Khan. He was asked to come to the Islamabad High Court on Friday morning, " said Babar Awan, Khan's lawyer.

Avan added that the Supreme Court had stated that Khan was now in his custody, not in the anti-corruption agency.

Khan spent the night in the police's guest house as before, but was allowed to meet a limited number of friends and family. It is not yet clear when he will be released from home.

Imran Khan denies any wrongdoing against him. The violence resulting from his arrest further exacerbated the instability in the 220 million-population country, which was struggling with a severe economic crisis, and undermined hopes of a quick resumption of IMF aid.

About 2,000 people were arrested and at least five were killed as a result of clashes of Khan's supporters with police, attacks on military installations and arson on other government buildings and property.