Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday tendered an apology in contempt of court case, his defence lawyer said, a move he hopes would prevent his disqualification from politics.
The court has deferred the due indictment, said the lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, adding the court had directed Khan to submit an unconditional apology in writing by October 3, reports Reuters.
The charges are related to a speech by Khan in which he allegedly threatened police and judicial officers last month after one of his close aides was denied bail in a sedition case.
"The court has appreciated the gesture," Chaudhry told Reuters, adding charges would mostly be dropped after the apology.
The court was expected to release a written copy of its ruling in due course.
"We will prepare and submit in writing an unconditional apology as sought by the court," Chaudhry said.
The high court was due to indict Khan, a move that could lead to his exclusion from politics if convicted.
A convicted politician is liable to be disqualified for at least five years under Pakistani laws.
The cricket-star turned politician has been facing a spate of legal woes since his ouster in a confidence vote in April by a united opposition led by his successor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Khan has been leading rallies since his ouster demanding snap polls, which the ruling coalition has rejected, saying the elections will be held as scheduled later next year.
Islamabad police brought up the charges after Khan's public remarks that he would not spare the police and a judicial officer, who had denied bail to his aide.
Khan and his legal team subsequently said that his remarks were not meant to be a threat, but that he would take legal action against the officers.
The court had rejected the explanation.
