ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday warned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan that if he does not appear in court tomorrow (Thursday), he will face trial in nine different cases. The interim bail will be cancelled.
IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq heard Khan’s bail pleas in two separate cases related to threats to armed forces officers and attempt to kill Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha. .
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of the IHC observed that the law is very clear and equal for all. Justice Farooq remarked that there is no instance of exemption from attendance during the bail application hearing.
“Even if the PTI chairman is granted immunity, how will his refusal to be part of the investigation be dealt with?” he asked.
On the other hand, the division bench consisting of Justice Farooq and Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb granted bail to Imran Khan in seven cases related to vandalism registered under terrorism provisions during the PTI chairman’s appearance at the Islamabad Judicial Complex. Heard.
During the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar filed an application for exemption from today’s hearing, saying that this is the first time that the application is being filed on medical grounds.
He informed the bench that during his appearance in the Lahore High Court a day ago, Khan had injured his leg – which was injured during the attempt on his life last year. He added that the PTI Chairman’s leg was swollen and he was taken to the hospital yesterday evening.
He said that at the age of 71, wounds take time to heal.
However, Chief Justice Farooq questioned why the PTI chief was not treated in a government hospital as the medical report was from a private hospital. “You know that in criminal cases only public hospital reports are admissible,” the judge said.
Meanwhile, Justice Aurangzeb observed: “Sometimes there is a threat, other times he [Khan’s] leg hurts. He has not appeared in the last four hearings because he is ‘privileged’.”
He further remarked that if Khan is granted immunity, any criminal in future can use this case as an example and say that there is precedent for getting bail without appearing in court.
When Khan’s counsel said the PTI chief would appear after the two cases were transferred to the respective district courts, the IHC chief justice remarked, “He [Khan] will appear on the day the sun shines and Birds are chirping.”
Thereafter, the lawyer assured the court that Khan would appear tomorrow even if he was in an ambulance. On this, the judge warned Safdar that if he did not appear, the PTI chief’s bail would be cancelled.
