LHC rejects Imran bail request: Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was charged with protests that took place outside the office of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). On Thursday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) denied Khan’s request for bail.
Khan was required to show up in person before the court today in order to receive protection from arrest, but he disobeyed the directives.
The former PM had gone to the LHC the day before after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad revoked his bail for skipping a case hearing because of protests outside the ECP’s headquarters that rendered him ineligible in the Toshakhana case.
Azhar Siddique, a counsel for Imran Khan, gave his power of attorney at the start of today’s session.
The attorney argued before the court and asked for more time, saying, “A conference with Imran Khan’s doctors is taking place and the party has concerns over his security.”
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh questioned, “How much time do you need?
The attorney responded that they will do their utmost to produce Imran Khan in two hours in response to this question.
The court postponed the hearing till 12:30 after hearing this. But as soon as the hearing picked back up, Siddique’s associate asked the court for additional time once more.
The hearing was then again postponed till 2pm by the court.
The attorney informed the judge that a new bail plea had been submitted when the session resumed. Additionally, he mentioned that they had met the doctors and were prepared to abide by court directions. The former prime minister’s doctor was present in court, the attorney also informed the judge.
Justice Sheikh remarked that they do not desire to hear from the physician. He said, “Imran Khan must show up in court.”
Imran Khan’s petition hearing postponed; Contempt notice issued for multiple signatures.
The attorney thereafter requested that the court adjourn so that the other bail plea could be filed.
Present your arguments in support of the current petition instead of waiting for it, Justice Sheikh commanded.
The attorney then informed the magistrate that he wishes to revoke the present petition.
Justice Sheikh then commented that the issue is that Imran Khan’s signature appears in many places on the affidavit and power of attorney.
The court questioned, “How can the signatures be different?
The court was then petitioned by Khan’s attorney for more time to investigate the situation.
“You are currently examining it. I will give you or Imran Khan a notice of contempt of court because someone tried to perpetrate fraud, said Justice Sheikh. He further said that until the problem is fixed, he will not permit the petition to be returned.
Siddique retorted, “I will have to take Imran Khan’s directions on this.
The hearing was subsequently postponed till 6:30 p.m. after the court took note of the various signatures.
Bring Imran in an ambulance or on a stretcher.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh of the LHC had stated at yesterday’s session that the PTI leader would only be granted protective bail if he personally appeared before the court.
After the Toshakhana judgement was released by the ECP, igniting nationwide protests, the deposed prime minister, who was forced from office through a no-confidence motion, was arrested in the case in October of last year.
After being hurt in an attempted murder during a rally in Wazirabad on November 3, Khan had been granted medical bail.
The PTI leader had received a summons from the ATC in addition to a request to appear before a banking court in the matter involving unlawful fundraising. To the ex-prime minister’s relief, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the banking court to postpone issuing its decision until February 22.
Since an in-person attendance is the first need in a protective bail case, the LHC had promised to secure Khan’s protection and urged his attorney to make sure the PTI leader will be there today.
Before postponing the hearing till today, Justice Sheikh had instructed the legal team, “I will not give bail without his in-person appearance. Whether you bring him on a stretcher or in an ambulance, it doesn’t matter.”
