ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted one-time exemption from appearance to PTI’s Chairman Imran Khan and extended his interim bail till April 18, in eight FIRs with regard to riot and vandalising in judicial complex. Two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard interim bail petitions of Imran Khan. Previously, court had ordered Imran Khan to join investigation process and also ensure his attendance on every hearing. At outset of hearing, Chief Justice remarked that it was essential for petitioner to appear in person to get bails. Law would take its own course if accused didn’t appear before court, he said. He, however, said that court wouldn’t write something as advance in its order.

Chief Justice observed that assessment committee could increase security after viewing threats. He asked that if someone was entitled for four personnel then whether his security could be increased after threats. Justice Farooq remarked that former prime minister was not being provided security.

Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar said that his client would surrender before anti-terrorism court after Eid and prayed court to extend interim bail till that time. He said that Imran Khan would also join investigation process during time.

Chief Justice remarked that there was also need to maintain decorum in lower courts. He said that half of month was still remaining to come Eid, adding that how interim bail could be extended for 15 days.

He said that former president of US appeared before court and faced indictment. Court said that it was just viewing consequences of this order if passed, adding that whether this court could grant such relief to common citizen tomorrow.

Advocate General Islamabad Barrister Jahangir Jadoon said that petitioner would continue to adopt excuse of security threats. Imran Khan should tell final date for appearance, he said. 

Additional Attorney General said that IGP had authority to increase security of former prime minister. He said that Imran Khan should informed police before arriving Islamabad. Imran’s lawyer said that 140 FIRs had been registered against his client. He said that expenditures were also required to spend on security deployment during financial crisis. After hearing arguments, court extended interim bail of Imran Khan in eight FIRs till April 18 and also granted him one-time exemption from attendance. Chief Justice said that court would give protection to petitioner while disposing of case on next hearing.

 It stated that Imran Khan was not provided foolproof security on last hearing by police despite orders of court. Imran Khan stated that as per authentic reports there were serious threats to his life, adding that extraordinary situation like this couldn’t be ignored. Imran said that despite security threats his security had been withdrawn, adding that he had no any hesitation to appear before courts. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 07 2023

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