Lahore: The Lahore High Court yesterday granted PTI chief Imran Khan protective bail until March 3 in a case related to PTI protestors’ alleged rioting and clashes with Islamabad police in October in the aftermath of his disqualification by the ECP in the Toshakhana reference. Two-member bench of LHC led by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi heard Imran Khan’s protective bail plea in case.

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

Justice Najafi said that they praise Imran Khan for reaching court’s premises but it is necessary for an accused to appear personally in hearing for securing bail. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi said that it is not difficult task to ask Imran Khan to reach courtroom. Superintendent Police Security apprised court that Imran Khan is present outside Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh’s courtroom but his lawyers are not allowing him to get inside. Court later ordered Imran Khan to personally appear in hearing and adjourned hearing for 30 minutes.

PTI chief later moved to courtroom in wheelchair to appear in hearing. During hearing, Imran Khan told 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 court as his X-ray will be conducted on February 28. LHC bench approved protective bail of Imran Khan till March 3. Imran Khan appeared in another hearing at LHC’s courtroom of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh to seek protective bail in case lodged at Secretariat Police Station. Justice Sheikh had summoned Khan after finding different signature on his bail plea. However, Imran Khan withdrew his bail plea in Lahore High Court in case. Khan apprised judge that he was unaware of bail petition. He added that he asked Azhar Siddiq to let him appear before court after knowing about petition.

Imran Khan apologised to LHC judge for wasting precious time of court. Later, PTI Chief’s counsel withdrew bail plea. LHC wrapped up proceeding after Imran Khan withdrew his bail petition.  PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that police made worst security arrangements despite assurance of inspector general. He said that there are thousands of people present on court’s premises and Imran Khan cannot reach courtroom in current situation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 21 2023

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