Imran Khan secures protective bail from LHC

The former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has secured protective bail from the Lahore High Court (LHC) in a case registered at the Sangjani police station, ARY News reported on Monday.

A two-member bench of the LHC led by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi heard Imran Khan’s protective bail plea in a case registered at the Sangjani police station.

Khan’s lawyer apprised the judge that the PTI chief is present in the court’s premises and the central leaders were also present there. He added that the political party has not made any announcement for Khan’s appearance before the LHC but a large number of people has still reached here.

The lawyer pleaded with the court to confirm Khan’s attendance in his vehicle.

Justice Najafi said that they praise Imran Khan for reaching the court’s premises but it is necessary for an accused to appear personally in the hearing for securing bail. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi said that it is not a difficult task to ask Imran Khan to reach the courtroom.

Superintendent Police (SP) Security apprised the court that Imran Khan is present outside Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh’s courtroom but his lawyers are not allowing him to get inside.

The court later ordered Imran Khan to personally appear in the hearing and adjourned the hearing for 30 minutes.

The PTI chief later moved to the courtroom in a wheelchair to appear in the hearing.

During the hearing, Imran Khan told the bench that his wounded leg has not fully recovered. He said that any shock to his fractured leg would stop him from recovering for three more months.

He sought two weeks from the court as his X-ray will be conducted on February 28.

The LHC bench approved the protective bail of Imran Khan till March 3.

Imran Khan also appeared in another hearing at the LHC’s courtroom of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh to seek protective bail in a case lodged at the Secretariat police station.

Justice Sheikh had summoned Khan after finding a different signature on his bail plea.

However, Imran Khan withdrew his bail plea in the Lahore High Court (LHC) in the case.

Khan apprised the judge that he was unaware of the bail petition. He added that he asked Azhar Siddiq to let him appear before the court after knowing about the petition.

Imran Khan apologised to the LHC judge for wasting the precious time of the court. Later, the PTI chief’s counsel withdrew the bail plea. The LHC wrapped up the proceeding after Imran Khan withdrew his bail petition.

 

Shah Mahmood Qureshi

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Imran Khan is present on the court premises and police made the worst security arrangements despite the assurance of the inspector general (IG).

He said that there are thousands of people present on the court’s premises and Imran Khan cannot reach the courtroom in the current situation.

Qureshi said that they will request the judge to accept the attendance of Imran Khan as he is present in the court premises and fulfils the court orders. He added that the court may nominate someone to confirm the attendance of the PTI chief in his car.

The PTI vice-chairman said that they are waiting for the court’s decision.

Earlier, Imran Khan has been given time till 5:00 pm to appear before the Lahore High Court in the ECP protest case.

READ: IMRAN KHAN FILES ANOTHER PROTECTIVE BAIL PLEA IN LHC

Last week, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh directed Imran’s counsel to present the former prime minister in court on Monday (today) at 2:00 pm.

The former prime minister was expected to appear before the Lahore High Court (LHC) to attend the hearing of the protective bail plea filed by him but his lawyers told the high court that The Mall Road was clogged and he could be brought to court only of the passage was clear.

Justice Sheikh in his remarks asked Azhar Siddique’s advocate to ensure the presence of his client in the court. “We are giving you time until 5pm to present Imran Khan before the court.”

READ: FIA DECIDES TO ARREST IMRAN KHAN IN PROHIBITED FUNDING CASE

Siddique’s plea to adjourn the case hearing until tomorrow was rejected by the LHC. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh remarked Azhar Siddique can be served with a contempt notice. Khan’s counsels were given until 5pm to present him before the LHC.

Security measures

Strict security measures have been taken at the high court to avoid any untoward situation as Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh has suspended hearings of all other cases.

PTI chief’s lawyer Azhar Siddique and party leaders, including Shibli Faraz and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reached the court.

Imran Khan’s private security team also visited the LHC.

Earlier in the day, an administrative judge of the LHC rejected a petition seeking permission for entry of PTI chairman Imran Khan’s vehicle on court premises owing to security threats.