Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday tendered an apology in contempt of court case, his defence lawyer said, a step back that could help him avoid disqualification from politics.

The court has deferred a decision on whether to indict Khan, said the lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, adding the court had directed the politician to submit an unconditional apology in writing by October 3.

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 said, adding he expected charges would mostly be dropped after the apology.

The court was expected to release a written copy of its ruling in due course. Local media inside the courtroom quoted Khan, as saying, “I apologise if I crossed any red lines.” Three local journalists inside the courtroom also said Khan had proffered the verbal apology.