Pakistan’s supreme court has said the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan was illegal and ordered his release from custody.

The order comes two days after Khan’s arrest sparked countrywide violence which has left at least eight people dead and dozens injured.

Hundreds of others have been detained as supporters of the former prime minister, who is also a cricket hero in the country, were involved in the disorder.

Khan has been faced with multiple corruption charges in Pakistani courts since he was ousted as a prime minster in a no confidence vote last year.

Supreme court chief justice Umar Ata Bandial has asked Mr Khan to issue an appeal to his supporters to remain peaceful as the country faces growing turmoil.

Supporters of the former leader were seen dancing near the court building to celebrate the order for his release.

In reference to the violent protests, Mr Khan said he had “no idea” what happened in the country after his arrest, ARY News in the country reports.

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The former prime minister also told the court he had been “kidnapped from Islamabad High Court” and “hit with sticks”.

Mr Khan had been dragged from a courtroom in Islamabad where he showed up to face corruption charges on Tuesday.

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