LAHORE: Acting on the order of the Lahore High Court, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan reached the court to explain the various signatures on his affidavit and power of attorney documents.
The LHC had last week noted the discrepancy in the documents while hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Khan, who was unwilling to appear in court due to security concerns.
Following his disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Toshah Khana case, the former prime minister moved the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad in a case related to alleged vandalism in protests across the country. After canceling his bail, he approached the court.
Khan has been on medical bail as he recovers from a bullet wound in an assassination attack during a rally in Wazirabad on November 3, 2022.
At the start of the hearing, Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh inquired where Imran Khan is, giving him time till 2 pm to appear.
Khan’s lawyers told the court that there was a security issue but the former prime minister would arrive “shortly”.
“I should not address the issue of security,” the justice said before adjourning the hearing again.
LHC warns of issuing show-cause notice to Khan
When the hearing resumed, Khan’s lawyer apologized for the delay due to traffic on the city’s Mall Road.
He informed the court that in view of security concerns, the registrar was requested to be allowed to enter through the mosque gate as he has to go to the court via Mall Road but was not allowed to enter the vehicle. He also complained about non-cooperation from the police regarding traffic.
Rahim said, “Khan does not consider himself bigger than the court. He will come if the arrangement is made.”
On which Justice Shaikh remarked that all applicants have to come through the gate of GPO.
“Imran Khan cannot be dealt with differently,” the justice said while directing the lawyer to continue his arguments.
He said that Imran Khan has been ordered to appear for clarification on various signatures.
On this, Khan’s lawyer maintained that the former prime minister had not signed the security bond.
The court inquired that if Khan sahib did not sign the petition, how could he withdraw it.
Justice Shaikh remarked that it cannot be that the hearing should be adjourned every now and then.
On this, Khan’s lawyer advised to dismiss the application.
“It gives the impression that Khan does not want to appear in court,” the justice said.
The court then warned Khan to issue a show-cause notice and adjourned the hearing for three weeks.
On this, Khan Sahib’s lawyer said that Khan will appear tomorrow.
The remarks drew the ire of the court as Justice Shaikh said: “You are making a mockery of the law.”
The court then adjourned the hearing till 5 pm, giving Khan a last chance to appear as his lawyer had assured the former prime minister’s presence in the court by the appointed time.
LHC summons Khan over differing signatures
On February 16, Advocate Siddique submitted his power of attorney and affidavit on behalf of Khan, who was directed to appear in court in person.
After several adjournments and resumptions of Khan’s non-appearance in court, Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh warned that a contempt notice would be issued to the former prime minister or his lawyer on various signatures. Despite the petitioner’s insistence, he refused to withdraw the petition until the issue was resolved.
“You see it now. Someone tried to commit fraud, I will issue a contempt notice to you or Imran Khan,” Justice Shaikh remarked before adjourning the hearing till today.
