ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought report from JIT on petition seeking dismissal of terrorism case against PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Case came up for hearing before division bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz here yesterday.

Suleman Khan appeared in court on behalf of Imran Khan while special prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi from federation and investigation officer appeared in court. CJ IHC remarked he had said in last hearing Imran Khan should join investigation. Special  prosecutor told court Imran Khan has joined investigation.

Court remarked “We had said investigation officer would tell does terrorism clause stand applied to it or otherwise. Investigation officer told terrorism clause is applicable to it. CJ IHC inquired is some thing more there than his speech. Terrorism clause should not be undermined that its fear stands purged out from minds of people. This allegation is of serious nature. Supreme Court decision is there. I had asked on previous hearing how terrorism clause stands applied. Contempt of court case is separate case from it. Things be not mixed. Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi read out text of Imran Khan speech.

CJ IHC remarked how can terrorism case be made against Imran Khan on making speech. Supreme Court has defined terrorism related cases. Don’t apply terrorism clauses very way that its effect fades away. Police prosecutor said Imran Khan said Judge Zeba Chaudhry we will see you too. Imran Khan speech was provocative and it comes upto terrorism clause 6. CJ IHC remarked as per text of Imran Khan speech terrorism clause cannot be applied to him. Is IG so much weak that speech led to foment terrorism? There is effect if one who has delivered speech is former or coming prime minister. Did Imran Khan attack after delivering speech. Prosecutor said it makes difference if one is former prime minister or prospective prime minister of future. CJ IHC remarked Imran Khan appeared before police and joined investigation later. Was any attack made during this time.

Several policemen were martyred in terror attacks. We are here for protection of our judge. A regular contempt of court proceedings is running in this matter. Don’t bring terrorism offence to such small level. Special prosecutor told court JIT meeting has to be held and they will resolve in this meeting. CJ IHC remarked we had ordered tell court today. Special prosecutor said accused joined investigation late. Speech was very wrong and words were inappropriate. But terrorism clause can not be applied to it. After holding JIT meeting court be informed till Monday. Special prosecutor said I will be busy on Monday. CJ IHC remarked then let members of JIT appear in court on Monday. Court adjourned hearing of case till September 19.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 16 2022

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