Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared in court on Saturday as police were entering his home after he expressed fear of being arrested in a standoff with the government that has sparked intense clashes with his supporters.

Facing a series of legal challenges, including one that prompted a failed attempt to arrest him on Tuesday, Khan was facing charges in court in the capital, Islamabad, for illegally selling state gifts given to him by foreign dignitaries while in office.

Hours earlier at his home in Lahore, the former cricket legend told Reuters he had formed a committee to run his match if he is arrested.

He has led protests across the country after his removal from power last year and has had a number of cases filed against him. Police unsuccessfully tried to arrest him on Tuesday.

Police entered his property after Khan entered the Islamabad court. Earlier this week, police and Khan’s supporters clashed outside his home during the attempted arrest.

Khan, who was shot and wounded while campaigning in November, said in an interview that the threat to his life is greater than before and said, without providing evidence, that his political opponents and the military want to stop him from running for office end of this year. .

The military and government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Security was tight around the court complex where Khan, 70, arrived in a motorcade surrounded by supporters.

The court previously issued arrest warrants for Khan in the case, as he failed to appear at previous hearings despite subpoenas.