ISLAMABAD: Authorities in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad have tightened security ahead of former prime minister Imran Khan’s appearance before a local court on Saturday, in a case involving the sale of state gifts he received as the premier. 

The development comes after days of attempts by Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to prevent the law enforcers from arresting the ex-premier after an Islamabad district court issued his non-bailable arrest warrants in the case. 

The Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 (ban on public gatherings and display of weapons) in the federal capital, while around 4,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed on security duty during proceedings of the case, which has come to be known as the Toshakhana reference, at the judicial complex, according to the Islamabad police. 

“Section 144 is in force in Islamabad. Private companies, security guards or individuals are prohibited from carrying weapons,” the Islamabad police wrote on Twitter. “Carry proof of vehicle integrity while driving.” 

Authorities have also imposed Section 144 in the twin city of Rawalpindi and directed citizens to avoid unnecessary movement. 

Khan, who until now attempted to evade arrest in the case, left his Lahore residence for Islamabad Saturday morning, his party wrote on Twitter. 

On Tuesday, police arrived outside Khan’s residence in Lahore with an order to arrest him by the district court in Islamabad, unleashing two days of clashes with the ex-premier’s supporters who said they would not allow their leader to be taken into custody. 

While Khan alleged the undue use of force by the police, the Punjab government said his supporters pelted stones and threw petrol bombs at law enforcers. Injuries have been reported on both sides. 

On Friday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants against Khan until March 18 and gave him another opportunity to appear before the Islamabad district and sessions court to face charges in the case. 

The Islamabad district court earlier dismissed Khan’s plea for the cancelation of his arrest warrants that were issued over his continuous absence from hearings of the Toshakhana case.