Imran Khan may face the most severe security threats, lawyer’s arguments (Photo file)
Lahore: Special Anti-Terrorism Courts of Lahore and Islamabad have extended Imran Khan’s interim bail in Zaman Park arson, police violence, Zul Shah murder case and Election Commission decision protest case.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared in Lahore’s Special Anti-Terrorism Court for extension of interim bail in the case of police violence, Zaman Park strife and murder of activist Zal Shah. Judge Abhargul of the Special Anti-Terrorism Court conducted the hearing on interim bail in the three cases in his chamber.
The court extended the interim bail of former Prime Minister Imran Khan till April 13 in all three cases. Earlier, when the duty judge of the Special Anti-Terrorism Court, Abhar Gul, started the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer filed a one-day attendance waiver application and took the position that Imran Khan could face the most serious security threats.
The court inquired whether attendance in interim bail is waived. Imran Khan’s lawyer was of the opinion that Imran Khan has serious security concerns. The learned judge inquired that you should tell whether he wants to come or not, the one who comes to the court can get relief.
Lawyer Imran Khan argued that Imran Khan did not get security as a former prime minister. The concerned judge is also on leave, only the date has to be given. The lawyer requested that Imran Khan be given time till 1:30 p.m. There are no adequate security arrangements outside the anti-terrorism court.
The court summoned the official of the special branch and issued instructions that non-essential persons should leave the premises of the court. Lawyer Imran Khan’s position was that Imran Khan has the strictest security requirements. I argue that the proceedings can proceed even without the appearance of the accused.
The court remarked that you were granted bail for one week and you did not even submit the bail bond. You cannot get all the relief. Security arrangements have been made on your request, you have been given 11 o’clock time to implement it.
In Imran’s interim bail, the head of JIT appeared in the Anti-Terrorism Court and informed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was not included in the investigation. Lawyer Imran Khan’s position was that we submit our written statement to the police or the JIT officer Zaman Park comes and investigates, this has been happening.
The court directed that it is better for you to submit the written statement to IT. Lawyer Imran Khan assured that we are ready to submit the written statement of Imran Khan in the court. The Anti-Terrorism Court ordered the JIT chief to appear again at the next hearing. The court directed to complete the investigation as soon as possible.
The honorable judge ordered the lawyer Imran Khan to appear at eleven o’clock. The court remarked that the case will be heard again at eleven o’clock. The court rejected Imran Khan’s request to excuse his attendance and adjourned the hearing till eleven o’clock.
Later, security arrangements were tightened before the arrival of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Additional anti-rights force police personnel were deployed inside and outside the court premises. Imran Khan appeared in the anti-terrorism court before 11 o’clock on the order of the court.
The hearing could not start due to the rush in the courtroom, the court staff directed that all people including the media should go out of the courtroom. The duty judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court, Abhar Gul, changed the court room and conducted the hearing in the chamber. The court extended the interim bail of Imran Khan in all three cases.
Judicial complex vandalism case hearing
Meanwhile, a case of vandalism was heard in the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court on the occasion of Imran Khan’s arrival at the judicial complex. The hearing was conducted by Judge Raja Jawad Abbas.
The judge said that you have kept the accused in jail for 20 days, if they turn out to be innocent tomorrow, who will be responsible for the 20 days? Have you seen the condition of the accused who appeared? There were children and old people, you guys have not done your job.
The court told the law officer that you have to admit that you delayed the identification parade of the arrested accused and the determination of their role, you people want to keep the accused in jail for a long time? I don’t understand what you want to say, about remand, you talked about the jurisdiction of the Anti-Terrorism Court, but also present a law.
The judge said that if this court does not have jurisdiction, then go to the court that has jurisdiction. Clear, you have detained the accused for 18 days now you want the court not to decide.
Ali Bukhari, the lawyer of the accused, said that this court has powers, which law is there to keep the accused in jail without committing any crime who have appeared 4 times? The heirs of the workers are being pushed. The judge said that they also want us not to leave the court.
Protest against Election Commission’s decision, Islamabad High Court granted bail to Imran Khan
Meanwhile, there was a break in the hearing, later the case registered against Imran Khan under the Terrorism Act was heard for protesting against the Election Commission’s decision. Arguments started on behalf of lawyer Naeem Panjutha on the request for immunity from the presence of Imran Khan.
The court directed to correct Imran Khan’s request for exemption from attendance. In ATC, the hearing on Imran Khan’s request for immunity was adjourned again.
Imran Khan’s request for exemption from today’s attendance at ATC Islamabad was approved. Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Raja Jawad Abbas extended Imran Khan’s interim bail till April 18.
It should be noted that a case under the Terrorism Act has been registered against Imran Khan in Sangjani Police Station for protesting against the Election Commission’s decision.
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