20/02/2023
𝗟𝗛𝗖 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲, 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗖𝗣 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮
LAHORE:
Former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan on Monday secured relief from the Lahore High Court (LHC) as he appeared before the court in two separate cases after being given the “last chance” for an in-person appearance.
LHC’s Justice Ali Baqar Najafi approved the protective bail in a case related to offence 7-ATA along with others mentioned in the FIR after hours-long delay as Imran was unable to enter court room due to a large crowd gathered outside the court to welcome the former prime minister.
The second petition was heard by a single bench led by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh which disposed of the PTI chief’s bail application in a case pertaining to protests outside the ECP.
A two-member bench led by Justice Najafi conducted the hearing on the terror charges case and accepted the PTI chief’s plea to grant him a protective bail till March 3.
During the hearing of the case, Imran told the court that he respected the courts and added that his doctors had advised him against walking due to his leg injury.
“My party’s name is Tehreek-e-Insaf (movement for justice) and I expect the same from courts,” he added.
Earlier, the Imran’s counsel had requested the court to verify his client’s presence through the court staff as the PTI chief was facing difficulty in entering the court due to the security reasons and presence of large number of workers.
However, the court rejected the request and ordered the security in charge of the LHC to present the PTI chief before the bench.
The PTI chief arrived at the LHC amid tight security. He entered the court premises following security clearance.
The former premier first appeared before the division bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi in a case related to offence 7-ATA along with others mentioned in the FIR.
It is pertinent to mention that on February 16 the same division bench had dismissed as “non-prosecution” the protective bail of the PTI chief.
The protective bail was again filed earlier today that was fixed before the same bench.
Imran then appeared before Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh's court wherein he had filed a protective bail in a case pertaining to protests outside the ECP.
Thousands gathered 'voluntraily'
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, while addressing the party workers gathered outside the LHC, said that Imran is unable to enter the court room as thousands of people are present outside the LHC premises.
“Those who are running campaign against judiciary are not being summoned by the courts but Imran Khan was summoned despite security threats and medical reasons,” he said.
Fawad said thousands of people ‘voluntarily’ came out to welcome their leader and added that managing security within the court premises was the responsibility of the judges to clear the way for Imran to enter the court room.
Several PTI leaders maintained that it would be risky for Imran to move towards court amid presence of a large number of workers as any potential stampede could further worsens his leg injury.
The police on the other hand were reluctant to use force to disperse the workers to avoid any untoward situation.
Earlier, Justice Najafi adjourned the hearing for half an hour till 7.30pm. Following the court's direction, Imran Khan finally entered the court room at 7:35pm.
Earlier, the LHC gave Imran a 'last chance' to appear before the court by 5 pm in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) protest case.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the hearing of the PTI chief's protective bail in the ECP protest case wherein Imran was to appear before the LHC for the verification of his signatures on three documents.
As proceedings commenced after adjournment, petitioner Imran's counsel Khawaja Tariq Raheem complained to the court about inadequate security arrangements. He said they held a meeting with Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab, who assured complete security as well as a signal-free Mall Road from the PTI chief's Zaman Town residence to the court.
"But the Mall Road is choke full of traffic," lamented the counsel.
With regards to security arrangements at the court, the IGP told them to contact the LHC Registrar's Office, who dismissed their application wherein they had sought permission for Imran's vehicle to enter the LHC premises.
"It is not my job to grant permission to Imran’s vehicle," Justice Sheikh remarked and added that the PTI chief has been summoned for verification of signatures.
The LHC judge summoned Imran by 5pm after the former premier failed to appear by 2pm as per the court's order.
The security at the court was beefed up ahead of the former prime minister's appearance.
More than two hundred police officials were deployed outside the courtroom and barricades were installed.
The difference in the signatures was noted by Justice Sheikh while hearing petitioner Imran's protective bail plea last week.
On February 16, Justice Sheikh had summoned Imran Khan by February 20 (today) after PTI's counsel had ensured the appearance of the petitioner before the court.
Imran to appear shortly
In a tweet, PTI leader Hammad Azhar said that Imran will leave his residence in Zaman Park for the LHC in half an hour and will reach the court at 4pm.
Meanwhile, party senior leader Fawad Chaudhry while confirming Imran's appearance at 4pm said that "attendance is only for judicial respect against the opinion of both medical and security officials, otherwise it is neither a case nor a justification for being called."
Last opportunity'
Justice Sheikh presided over the hearing today and stated that it is the PTI chief’s “last opportunity” to appear in court by 5pm.
Imran had not appeared in court earlier due to unsatisfactory security arrangements as PTI leaders were concerned regarding the lack of security measures taken, despite assurances from the police.
The Mall Road outside the LHC remained packed due to a traffic jam as the police failed to clear the road as discussed with the former ruling party's members.
The PTI leaders said that it is “risky” for the ex-PM to go to the court under such conditions, adding that the IG Police should be instructed to clear the road.
In a meeting, the IGP had said that Mall Road would be cleared and there would be maximum security outside the premises. However, he had directed the party leaders to approach the LHC registrar regarding security inside the premises.
When the PTI declared the security measures insufficient, the court accepted Imran’s absence, moving on to question whether the signatures belonged to him.
PTI chief’s counsel Khwaja Tariq Rahim admitted that the signatures were not Imran’s and that he did not file the plea.
“If the signatures were not his then he should come to ask for forgiveness,” stated Justice Sheikh.
The court threatened to issue a show-cause notice to Imran Khan. However, his lawyer assured the court that he would be present by 5pm. He also requested the court to direct the IGP to provide satisfactory security.
Subsequently, the LHC granted Imran a last chance to appear in court by 5pm today.
Entrance to LHC's premises rejected
The petitioner’s application seeking permission for the entrance of his vehicle into the LHC's premises today due to Imran's health and security condition was rejected.
In reference to the PTI chief’s application filed two days earlier, the concerned authority denied permission for entrance to the court.
The LHC has declined the request regarding entry through Masjid Gate but has allowed Imran’s vehicle to enter the GPO gate up to the Drop Down Barrier/Litigant Centre near the attorney general’s office.
It is pertinent to mention that the administrative authority was informed of Imran’s health issues as well as the danger to his life, given that he had already survived an assassination attempt and is still facing threats.
The PTI chairman’s chief of staff Senator Shibli Faraz in a press conference stated that he had requested permission from the LHC to allow Imran’s car to enter the premises until a specific point. However, he said that this request was denied.
Faraz explained that the request is “justified” given the ousted premier’s medical and security situation.
According to Faraz, the PTI chief’s doctors have said that he cannot afford to experience any physical injury. He added that Imran has appeared in court for multiple cases before the attempt on his life.
However, following the assassination attempt, he can no longer afford to appear without ensuring security measures. “Imran Khan has no reason not to appear in court apart from his security and health situation following the assassination attempt that took place only a few months ago,” he said.
The PTI leader informed that efforts are being continued to ensure Imran’s safety before his appearance in court.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Shahbaz Gill will also appear in the high court today in connection with the sedition case against him.
In a tweet, Gill said that if Imran’s car is not allowed near the court, it is uncertain whether the PTI chief will be able to reach the court safely. “Ground realities should be taken into consideration,” he added.
Single bench
On Thursday, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the proceedings where the case took a new turn when Justice Sheikh keeping aside the issue of “the petitioner’s presence into the court is prerequisite for getting protective bail” questioned the difference in the petitioner’s signatures on three documents (petition, affidavit and power of attorney).
Justice Sheikh made it clear that he would issue a contempt notice to either Imran or his counsel over deceiving the court. However, the proceedings were adjourned for a short interval with direction to PTI’s counsel advocate Azhar Siddique to explain his position regarding the three documents.
Siddique argued that there are two major issues: one being Imran’s health and the second being his security.
"The petitioner has already survived an assassination attempt. Taliban groups had threatened to kill him. How, under such circumstances, could he appear before the court in the absence of security clearance?" he said.
The lawyer further argued that the court could constitute a commission to send to the petitioner’s residence to testify his signatures or take his view via a video link.
The court rejected all suggestions made by the counsel and said that Imran should be present in the LHC, otherwise his petition will be dismissed.
