The Islamabad High Court (IHC) postponed the indictment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan after he agreed to apologize to the judge against whom he had made comments. .
After the hearing started in front of the five-member bench, the former prime minister was called to stand.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said that they will only read out the indictment. But before he did so, his lawyer approached the bench and said that his client wants to say something to the court.
At this, the court allowed Imran to speak.
Imran said that he would speak briefly. He added that he has always talked about the rule of law.
He added that he never intended to commit contempt of court, and that he sat through two hearings and wanted to say something earlier but did not get the opportunity.
Now, he said, he wanted to clarify his remarks and that he is willing to go to the judge and apologize for his remarks.
The court asked Imran to submit this as an affidavit so that it can be included in their decision.
They then deferred the matter until October 3.
They are fighting against the mafia, not the judiciary.
After walking out of the court, he said that he is fighting against the ‘mafias’ who rule the country and it is against them that he is waging his movement for ‘real freedom’.
He added that he is not fighting against the judiciary.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was to charge him in a contempt of court case today unless he tenders an unconditional apology over the remarks made by the Additional Sessions Judge.
His convoy has reached the court and the hearing by the five-member bench is also expected to begin soon.
Two major roads in Islamabad have been closed and security has been beefed up at the court as ICT police also prepare for the PTI’s long march announced for Saturday.
The PTI chairman will appear before a five-member bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri and Justice Babar Sattar headed by Chief Justice Athar Minullah of the Islamabad High Court.
At the previous hearing, the bench had unanimously decided that the former prime minister would be charged on Tuesday, September 22, as he failed to tender an unconditional apology for threatening Islamabad Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry.
Security arrangements
On Thursday, Islamabad authorities were preparing to beef up security at the High Court with the deployment of additional police and paramilitary forces.
More than 700 police personnel under two senior superintendents of police have been deployed in the court premises while the area will be monitored by CCTV cameras.
Rangers and FC personnel were posted inside the court premises.
Security personnel have erected barbed wire barriers. Anti-riot police force has also been kept ready.
Samaa TV reported that roadblocks have been erected on the roads leading to the High Court.
Additionally, police have installed shipping containers at D Chowk as they prepare to deal with PTI’s long march in Islamabad. Imran Khan has announced that he will start a movement against the government from Saturday.
Islamabad Police announced on Thursday that Nadra Chowk and Express Chowk have been closed for entering and exiting the red zone.
“Alternatively, Ayub Chowk, Serena Chowk and Margalla Road can be used to enter and exit the red zone,” the police said in a tweet.
Traffic Alert
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) September 22, 2022
NADRA Chowk and Express Chowk are closed for Red Zone Entry and Exit.
Alternatively, Ayub Chowk, Serena Chowk and Margallah Road can be used for Red Zone Entry and Exit.#ICTP #ITP
code of conduct
The IHC registrar on Wednesday issued a circular informing the code of conduct for the hearing, allowing only 15 members of Imran Khan’s team to accompany him.
According to the circular, the larger bench will begin the hearing on September 22 at 2:30 pm in Courtroom No. 1, where only pass holders will be allowed to enter.
In which it was said that 15 members of Imran Khan’s legal team will be allowed to enter the courtroom. Attorney General’s Office and Advocate General’s Office will issue passes to 15 law officers.
Three amici curiae and 15 journalists covering the court will also be allowed.
Five lawyers from High Court Bar and District Bar will participate in the hearing.
The registrar has directed the police and district administration to ensure security arrangements to maintain the decorum of the court.
Problem
Imran Khan issued this alleged threat while addressing a public meeting in Islamabad on August 20 when the judge handed over his close associate Gul to police custody.
The then Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Aamir Farooq, initiated contempt of court proceedings against Imran Khan and recommended the formation of a larger bench.
The bench rejected the first reply filed by Khan’s legal team and allowed the former prime minister to revise his stand and submit a second reply.
On September 8, the court considered Khan’s second reply and decided to indict the PTI chief after he failed to tender an unconditional apology.
The Islamabad police had also registered a case of terrorism against Imran Khan on charges of terrorism.
However, earlier this week the Islamabad High Court dismissed the terrorism charges against the PTI chief.
