[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was granted bail by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday in two terrorism cases filed against him in connection with the violence that erupted at the Islamabad Judicial Complex last week.
After PTI supporters clashed with police in the federal capital, a division bench led by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi heard the former prime minister’s plea for protective bail in two terrorism cases.
Imran has been granted temporary relief until March 27.
It should be noted that the court stated on Monday that if PTI Chairman Imran Khan wishes to seek relief in the terrorism cases filed against him, he must appear in court on Tuesday (today).
Also Read: Imran and others booked for clashes outside Judicial complex.
Imran arrived at the courthouse in a reduced manner earlier today, accompanied by party leader Fawad Chaudhry.
چئیرمین تحریک انصاف عمران خان لاہور ہائی کورٹ میں جسٹس سلیم شیخ کے کورٹ روم میں پہنچ چکے ہیں
آج اہم کیسز کی سماعت ہے pic.twitter.com/hrfTCW3iCi
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 21, 2023
The PTI chief could be seen being escorted inside the court premises surrounded by security blankets.
چئیرمین پاکستان تحریک انصاف عمران خان آج بھی قانون کی پاسداری میں عدالت پیش ہوئے ہیں
pic.twitter.com/lXjILBbZv0— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 21, 2023
It should be noted that one of the hearings he was supposed to attend today was about the security concerns Imran had expressed during his court appearances.
Hearings at LHC
The court of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh heard a petition against a police operation at Imran’s Lahore residence.
Imran insisted that the police had violated his privacy and that the operation was illegal. The PTI chief claimed that the LHC’s orders from March 17 were not followed, and he sought contempt of court proceedings against the relevant authorities.
“My windows were broken, my wife saw the veil and her screams were captured on video, and the dignity of my home was violated,” Imran told the court. He also claimed that five of his bodyguards were kidnapped and tortured.
The PTI chief also maintained that he had come to court “secretly through a hidden path that nobody knows and without a convoy”.
“Those who make fun of the judiciary on social media will face contempt of court proceedings,” Justice Sheikh said, adding that “all parties must respect the court.”
The court directed the government’s attorney to present his case regarding the operation. Furthermore, the judge summoned all respondents, including the Inspector General of Police of Punjab, and adjourned proceedings until March 28.
The same court then heard Imran’s request for information about the cases filed against him and ordered the government’s lawyers to appear until tomorrow (Wednesday).
Meanwhile, the Punjab government’s counsel and Assistant Advocate General raised concerns about Justice Sheikh and requested that the case be heard by a different court.
Irked by the request, the court inquired as to why the Punjab government had lost faith in the single bench.
“This [application] is over a previous judgement,” the judge pointed out, “and if you do it again, I will pursue contempt of court proceedings.”
“Suo motu notice can also be taken,” Justice Sheikh noted as he directed the government to adhere to previously issued orders and present the records.
Bail in NAB cases
In addition, the former prime minister was granted bail in two National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases related to the Toshakhana reference.
Imran was summoned by NAB Rawalpindi to record his statements in the gift depository case. He is accused of keeping certain state gifts for himself.
The PTI chairman stated, in petitions filed today, that the notices sent by the accountability watchdog were “indicative of nefarious designs” by NAB as the watchdog intends on “arresting the petitioner”.
During the hearing, Imran’s counsel informed the two-member bench presided over by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi that NAB files a new case as soon as bail is granted in one case and requested 15-day protective bail for the former premier, citing appearance in an Islamabad court as the reason.
Imran also informed the court that over 100 cases had been filed against him, and that he is unable to devote time to election campaigning because he has spent so much time attending court hearings.
The court then granted the PTI chief protective bail until March 31.
The PTI chairman was also scheduled to appear before a court hearing his petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana reference (ECP).
The case will be heard by a five-member larger bench led by Justice Bilal Hassan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
