In a major relief to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday extended his interim bail in nine cases.
The former prime minister today appeared before the IHC amid tight security on the instructions of a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq.
On April 18, the IHC extended Khan’s bail in eight cases till May 3. A day earlier, he failed to appear in court. While hearing their bail pleas in nine cases, the IHC gave them a day’s time to appear before the court, and warned them that if they failed to do so, their bail pleas would be dismissed. will be given
At the beginning of the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Safdar took the stand that 140 cases have been registered against the PTI chief so far and the petitioner had sought bail in all the cases to his knowledge.
Extending Khan’s interim bail for 10 days in seven terrorism cases, the court directed Khan to approach the trial court.
Chief Justice Farooq remarked that the medical report of the government hospital should be submitted for future extension and ordered to provide material on the application for permission to appear through video link.
Meanwhile, the court also extended Khan’s interim bail till May 9 in two other cases related to threats to armed forces officers and attempt to kill Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha. .
Additionally, the IHC chief justice on May 9 also ordered to correct Khan’s plea to stay the proceedings against Khan.
‘Number of cases registered me will soon hit double century’
At one point during the hearing, the PTI chief came to the rostrum and revealed that he had informed the five-member bench of the Lahore High Court about the person who could harm him.
“If I mention his name, no newspaper will publish it,” he said, accusing the man running the caretaker government.
In an informal conversation after the two-judge bench left the courtroom, Khan responded to a reporter’s question about meetings with US diplomats. He said that we want good relations with everyone.
His comments came a few days after PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry met US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom.
Khan, in a light but sarcastic tone, said that the number of cases registered against him would soon reach double century.
In cricket I managed to score only 170. However, in politics I will score a double century,” lamented Khan.
Taking a jibe at former Chief of Army Staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, Khan revealed: “During several briefings, Bajwa said there was no oil in the tanks.”
He said that I was wondering what kind of army chief is this who is talking such things.
During the conversation, he also condemned Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to India.
Responding to a question regarding differences among the people, Khan said that the reference against Justice Qazi Faiz Isa was initiated by people holding positions above General (Rtd) Faiz Hamid.
We were told that the law is equal for all, so we also gave answers, he said, adding that they (PTI) were told that they needed to get answers from Qazi Faiz Isa.
“Later we came to know that there was another intention behind all this,” he added.
‘Will appear before court despite pain, swelling’
Earlier today, the PTI chief said he would appear in court despite “pain and swelling” in his leg as he “respects the court”.
Before leaving Islamabad to be wheeled into a car, Khan said in a short video statement posted on social media: “[We] respect the courts, so despite the pain and swelling [of the court] front] will appear. leg.”
The PTI chief added that they are not like “propagandists against the judges” if they do not get a proper verdict.
اسلام آباد روانگی سے قبل چیئرمین تحریک انصاف کا خصوصی پیغام #عمران_خان_ہماری_ریڈ_لائن pic.twitter.com/vbDw5DMs8N
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 4, 2023
In the statement, Khan also claimed that he had informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that there had been an attempt to kill him.
“Once in Wazirabad and the second time on March 18 at the Judicial Complex,” he added.
Security tightened
Khan appeared before the two-judge bench which had warned the former prime minister against cancellation of bail for his continued absence from the court during the previous hearing.
Ahead of his visit to the federal capital, security was tightened around the court and a heavy police force was deployed. Barbed wire and containers were also installed to ensure law and order in the area.
The police also banned the entry of unrelated persons into the IHC.
The district administration has made tight security arrangements to ensure Khan’s safety, while lawyers and journalists will be allowed to enter Courtroom No. 1 through a special pass.
Only 15 lawyers will be allowed to accompany Khan inside the court and 10 lawyers from the Attorney General’s and Advocate General’s offices will be allowed to attend the hearing.
Solidarity with CJP
Additionally, in his video, the PTI chief urged people to take to the streets to show solidarity with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandyal.
“The mafia is hell-bent on the Chief Justice,” he said, adding that the “mafia” has divided the Supreme Court (SC) and is flouting the Constitution.
He also criticized the current government for “running away from the elections” which were to be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assemblies.
