Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is expected to appear before the Lahore High Court (LHC) today to seek protective bail in a case registered against him over protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office.
This comes after an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad cancelled his bail when he failed to appear before it on Wednesday and sought another exemption on medical grounds.
At yesterday’s hearing, LHC’s Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh had remarked that Imran Khan would only be granted protective bail if he appears before the court in person.
The ousted prime minister had been on bail on medical grounds after he was injured in an assassination attempt in Wazirabad during a rally on November 3.
The case against Imran Khan was registered in October last year after the Toshakhana verdict was announced by the ECP, which sparked countrywide protests.
Not only did the ATC summon the PTI chief, but a banking court also asked Khan to appear before it in the prohibited funding case.
However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the banking court to hold its verdict till February 22, which was a relief for the ex-prime minister.
Nonetheless, the LHC emphasized that an in-person appearance was the first rule in a protective bail case, and his counsel must ensure that he is present today.
During yesterday’s hearing, Advocate Azhar Siddique submitted his power of attorney on behalf of Imran Khan, and he was directed to appear before the court in person today.
However, the legal team argued that a meeting with Imran Khan’s doctors was ongoing, and the party had concerns over his security, requesting additional time.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh asked the counsel how much time they needed, and they said they would try their best to bring Imran Khan in two hours. The court adjourned the hearing until 12:30 pm.
The LHC promised to ensure Imran Khan’s security and told his counsel that the PTI chief’s in-person appearance was crucial for the granting of protective bail.
Justice Sheikh said, “Without his in-person appearance, I will not grant bail, whether you bring him on a stretcher or in an ambulance.”
In conclusion, Imran Khan is expected to appear before the Lahore High Court for protective bail in a case registered against him over protests outside the ECP office.
The court emphasized that his in-person appearance was vital for the granting of protective bail, and the legal team must ensure that he is present today.
