Former PM

The court ordered Mr Khan's immediate release. His lawyers had argued that his detention from court premises in Islamabad on Tuesday was unlawful.

At least 10 people have been killed and 2,000 arrested as violent protests have swept the country since he was held.

BBC reports Tuesday's arrest escalated growing tensions between him and the military.

The opposition leader, ousted in a confidence vote in April last year, was brought to court on the orders of Pakistan's top judge.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to one count each of abuse of office.

RNZ Pacific reports Magistrate Seini Puamau has set bail at $FJ10,000 (over $NZ7,000), according to local media reports.

Bainimarama and Qiliho have also been ordered not to leave the country and to reside at a permanent address.

Magistrate Puamau also ordered them not to interfere with witnesses.

They are next expected in court on May 11.

Kaniva News reports three judges of the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the Supreme Court and said the election of Poasi Mataele Tei, the former Deputy Prime Minister, “remains void”.

“The appellant is to pay the costs of and incidental to the Appeal, to be taxed if not agreed”, the court judgement said.

“That the costs order reflects the significance overall of the contravention of (b) which had been upheld.

“The order of the court is appeal dismissed with costs”.

The conviction was quashed by the court but Matangi Tonga reported the former prime minister's appeal against conviction on one count of possessing gun ammunition, without a licence, failed.

In July 2015, the then prime minister had written a letter of support for two Chinese people trying to obtain passports.

But the Appeal Court found there was no evidence that Tu'ivakano intended to deceive.

Tu'ivakano had been found guilty on 9 March at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court and given a suspended two-year sentence.

Matangi Tonga reported Lord Chief Justice Paulsen made the ruling on Tuesday regarding four charges of accepting a bribe as a government servant.

The ruling overturns an initial decision by the Principal Magistrate to discharge Tu'ivakano.

The Chief Justice said the decision was made on the grounds there is a sufficiency of evidence for a trial, on a date yet to be set.

Tu'ivakano was initially charged with a total of 12 counts but in January the Principal Magistrate struck off the four counts of accepting bribes, citing a lack of evidence.

The noble's court case was expected to be heard on 9 August and has been adjourned numerous times due to various filing of document needs and related matters.

Kaniva Tonga News reported the latest adjournment was requested to allow the defence more time to prepare for the trial.

Tu'ivakano was arrested on 1 March and charged with 10 counts, including one of making a false declaration to obtain a passport, two perjury counts, five for accepting bribes and two counts of money laundering.