An operation to arrest Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has been suspended after a court ruling.

Security forces pulled back from Mr Khan‘s home in the eastern city of Lahore, pausing what was an ongoing battle with his supporters.

Those defending Mr Khan had hurled rocks and bricks, while police fired tear gas and water cannon.

Violence between the ex-PM’s supporters and police was also reported in cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi.

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It began on Tuesday as police tried to execute an arrest warrant for Mr Khan – which had been issued when he failed to attend court over claims he sold state gifts given to him while he was leader.

But on Wednesday afternoon, a court in Lahore ordered police to postpone efforts to detain him until Thursday, according to provincial information minister Amir Mir.

Former cricket star Mr Khan left his house in a gas mask to meet supporters and also posed at a table with tear gas shells, which he said had been fired around his property.

He tweeted: “What crime did I commit that my house has been attacked like this,” adding that he had signed a “surety bond” that would guarantee his appearance at court.

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More than 100 police have been hurt in the violence, according to the Punjab provincial government, while Fawad Chaudhry, a senior leader from Mr Khan’s party, claimed hundreds of his supporters had been injured.

Mr Khan, 70, claimed in another tweet that the attempt to arrest him was actually a bid to “to abduct and assassinate” him.

He also posted images of bullets he said had been used by security forces. Police have denied using live ammunition.

Seven watches, including one worth 85 million rupees (£249,000), and diamond jewellery were among the gifts Mr Khan received during his four years as PM, according to a list shared by information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb last year.

Mr Khan was forced to step down after a parliamentary vote in April 2022 and has since held rallies across Pakistan calling for a snap election.

During one, in November, he was shot and wounded.

Current prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said Mr Khan “considers himself above the law” and has insisted an election will take place as scheduled later this year.

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