LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan reached the Lahore High Court, the court summoned him in several cases, while his bullet-proof vehicle was also allowed to enter the court premises.
The PTI chief – who has left for the court – had approached the LHC earlier in the day for protective bail in nine cases. Five of them are listed in Islamabad and four in Lahore.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh and Justice Farooq Haider will hear the bail application filed against the cases registered under terrorism provisions. Meanwhile, Justice Saleem will also hear the petitions filed by Khan against the civil cases filed against him.
Meanwhile, hundreds of PTI supporters stormed the party chairman’s house to thwart his arrest as the former prime minister waited to hear a verdict on whether security for failing to attend a court hearing. Forces may come after them again.
Ahead of the court verdict, there was a tense atmosphere in Lahore’s Zaman Park, which was the scene of hostilities earlier this week between PTI activists and the Punjab Police who were advancing on Khan’s house to arrest him in a case. He should be produced in the court in which he is accused. Selling official gifts given by foreign dignitaries without legal action, when he was Prime Minister.
Khan denies these allegations.
Although there was no police presence on Friday, witnesses said Khan’s supporters, armed with sticks and iron bars, stood guard outside his house.
Today’s hearing
During today’s hearing against the Zaman Park operation – resumed by Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh – Inspector General Punjab (IG), Advocate General and Fawad appeared in court.
Appreciating Justice Saleem’s decision, Fawad said that because of you, the lives of the people of Lahore were saved.
He said that the police have assured to provide security to the PTI chief. He further said that we have withdrawn from holding a public meeting in Lahore but we will hold a meeting on Monday.
Justice Saleem remarked that the public meeting had been advised to be postponed. The PTI leader said that Imran Khan’s bail bonds have been submitted.
The distinguished judge said that everyone has to follow the law, adding that the wrongdoers will not be spared. He said that we have installed cameras and I will not stop taking action against those who violate law and order.
IG Punjab said that he has directed the political party not to convert any part of the city into a “no-go area”.
Justice Saleem directed Fawad to submit the application before any public rally. The court also remarked that containers should not be used to block roads.
Advocate General said that they need access to Zaman Park area.
On this, Fawad said that they (government) want access to arrest people. “Arrest people after they are nominated,” he added.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s lawyer Khawaja Tariq Rahim assured the court of PTI chief’s appearance.
IG Punjab asked the court whether the police were allowed to enter if stones were pelted or Molotov cocktails were thrown at them. A senior Punjab police officer requested access from the court. Fawad replied: “We give them access”.
On this, the court directed the parties to find a solution.
The IG said that no one will be allowed to be a victim of retaliation. “We have technology and witnesses, not just pictures,” he added.
He assured the court that no one would be harmed.
“How will transparency be ensured?” The court asked the IG.
On this, the IG said that everything will be fair. He said that if we have evidence, we will not seek permission to arrest anyone.
Justice Saleem said that an application should be filed for Imran Khan’s security.
The judge will also decide on the procedure for executing the warrant.
Later, Justice Saleem adjourned the hearing till 3 pm and asked the parties involved in the case to reach an agreement and appear before the court.
When the hearing resumed, Khan’s lawyer Ishtiaq Chaudhry read out the Terms of Reference (TORs) agreed between the PTI and the police.
He told the court that PTI leader Senator Shibli Faraz would contact the police to provide security to the PTI chief.
The agreement also states that PTI’s Minar Pakistan Awami Ijjam will be held on Monday instead of Sunday. It has also been agreed that a fresh application for public assembly will be filed.
According to the agreement, PTI will nominate two persons to assist those involved in the incidents that took place on March 14 and 15.
However, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh said that the language of the agreement needs to be corrected and re-drafted.
The judge remarked that the wording of TOR is not correct, correct the language again. He further said that the court cannot stop the police from investigating.
Meanwhile, Fawad told the court that the party does not want to be a target of revenge.
Later, Khan’s counsel told the court that they had submitted applications for the PTI chief’s protective bail. He further said that Khan is ready to appear in court.
The lawyer said that Imran Khan is also ready to participate in the court proceedings on March 18.
However, Advocate General Punjab Jahangir Jadoon told the court that the arrest warrant should be executed.
The judge replied that he never stopped the execution of the warrant.
Riots and retreat
The violence on Tuesday and Wednesday, in which protesters threw petrol bombs and security forces used tear gas and water cannon, has raised fears of a new political stalemate in nuclear-armed Pakistan, which is already reeling from an economic crisis. suffering from
An Islamabad court issued the arrest warrant after the 70-year-old Khan failed to appear before it on charges that he illegally received government gifts from foreign dignitaries during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. Sold as
The Election Commission of Pakistan found him guilty and barred Khan from holding public office for one parliamentary term.
Khan has said he is ready to submit a written affidavit that he will voluntarily appear before the court on Saturday, but the court said such a promise was insufficient. It was not clear whether Friday’s court would consider the affidavit.
The legal proceedings against Khan began after he was ousted in a parliamentary vote early last year. Since then, he has been calling for early elections and holding nationwide protests, and was shot and wounded at one of the rallies.
Current Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has rejected Khan’s demands and said that the elections will be held later this year as per schedule.
