Pakistan’s political atmosphere is heating up after the police filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, for his controversial comments at a public rally.

Former Prime Minister Khan’s lawyers appealed to the Islamabad High Court on Monday for pre-arrest bail and were granted protective bail till Thursday, but the possibility of him appearing in the capital’s anti-terrorism court has increased.

Khan has been accused of “threatening” state officials and challenging the law by protesting the arrest and alleged torture of his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in Islamabad on Saturday evening. Gill was charged with treason after being accused of inciting a mutiny against the country’s powerful military.

Khan said the police tortured Gill in custody and that it was part of a “conspiracy” to pit his party against the army.

Islamabad Police said that those who threaten the police or make false accusations will be dealt with according to the law.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also said the government is preparing to file a case against the former prime minister for his “provocative speech”.