Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been summoned to appear in court next week to answer contempt charges.

The announcement by the Islamabad High Court came after Khan allegedly threatened a police chief and a judge in a speech over the weekend in connection with sedition charges that have been laid against his aide.

Hundreds of Khan's supporters gathered in front of his residence in the capital to try and stop police from arresting him.

One of his supporters said "we will stand by Khan until the end. The entire nation is with him"

Another supporter said "we came here for Khan since the government wants to arrest him. He is facing danger"

Khan was ousted from office in April after a no- confidence vote in parliament. Since then, he has been holding public rallies to press for his demand for early general elections, as he seeks to return to power.

People are now waiting for the court's verdict as Pakistani law forbids anyone who has been convicted from running for office.