IHC grants Imran Khan interim bail in seven cases
ISLAMABAD: In a major relief to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the Islamabad High Court granted him interim bail in seven different cases against him till April 6.
A bench headed by IHC CJ Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb is hearing the case.
The PTI chief had arrived at IHC from Lahore, earlier today, to seek pre-arrest bail in different cases registered against him in the federal capital.
The PTI chief is seeking bail in seven cases registered against him following the vandalism at the judicial complex during his last visit to the federal capital.
Multiple cases were registered against the former prime minister at Islamabad’s Ramna, CTD and Golra police stations.
The hearing
At the outset of the hearing, Khan’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar appeared in the court and contended that the objection related to bio-metric verification shouldn’t be imposed on individuals above the age of 60.
At this, Justice Farooq remarked that the bio-metric verification had become very easy now.
The lawyer maintained that they had acquired PTI chief’s protective bail from Lahore High Court (LHC) after which they arrived at the judicial complex but they weren’t allowed to move further.
“More FIRs against Imran Khan were lodged that day,” he added.
At this, IHC CJ asked the lawyer to clarify why had they bypassed a forum to reach IHC.
“Why didn’t you go to the trial court first when you have to go there ultimately,” he asked.
At this, the lawyer maintained that he would present Supreme Court’s judgements in this regard.
After this, Khan proceeded to the rostrum, however, CJ Farooq directed him to stay seated.
Responding to the argument of Khan’s lawyer, the justice said that the security threats to the former premier must be genuine as he had been attacked once.
Justice Hassan remarked that the court had asked the chief election commissioner to provide security to Khan several times.
At this, Islamabad Advocate-General Jahangir Jadoon maintained that the trial court was shifted to the judicial complex from F8 katchehri court.
“Imran Khan has the responsibility to ensure a peaceful environment. He didn’t even get off the car and people burned cars,” he said.
At this, Justice Farooq remarked what the petitioner would do if the administration gave irresponsible statements.
“They [PTI] will arrange its own security if you [administration] don’t provide it. Two prime ministers of Pakistan had been assassinated and one was attacked,” the justice remarked.
The court then granted interim bail to Khan, after which the PTI chairman left the high court.