ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped banking court in federal capital from deciding on bail petition of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in prohibited funding case.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri heard petition filed after banking court ordered PTI Chief to ensure his personal appearance and warned of legal action on defying order. After hearing arguments, IHC barred banking court for issuing any verdict on bail petition and also sought Khan’s fresh medical reports.

Earlier in day, Special Judge Banking Court Rakhshanda Shaheen turned plea filed by PTI Chairman seeking exemption from personal appearance for pre-arrest bail in funding case.

She had ordered PTI Chief to appear before closing time of court today. During hearing, Khan’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar sought three-week exemption for his client and also submitted an X-ray report in court. He said former premier was recovering from his bullet wounds.

A lawyer for co-suspects, Mian Ali Ashfaq said criminal case could not be registered on allegations of prohibited funding. He said PTI received funds in its bank accounts in different cities, adding that separate FIRs were registered in these cities. He argued that it was difficult to go after every donor to ask source of income.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 16 2023

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