Pakistan: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday gave a big relief to former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan. The non-bailable warrant issued against him in the Toshakhana case has been suspended till March 18. Along with this, he has also been given a chance to appear in the district court of Islamabad during this period.
High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has directed the district court and the police to provide adequate security to Imran.
Supporters created ruckus against the arrest
In fact, Imran Khan is opposing the arrest in the Toshakhana episode. When the police force arrived to arrest him, he was inside the house located in Zaman Park in Lahore, while his supporters armed with sticks and rods created a lot of nuisance.
However, the arrest proceedings were stayed on Wednesday evening. It was argued that Pakistan Super League is going on, in such a situation, they do not want to take any risk to law and order.
IHC suspends Imran’s arrest warrants, gives him chance to go to trial court on March 18
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The High Court had taken a stand against the decision
On Thursday, Imran Khan had filed a petition in the High Court against the district court’s decision. The High Court, however, upheld the order to arrest the former prime minister and produce him before the court by March 18.
Lawyer filed affidavit
During the hearing, Imran’s lawyer Khawaja Haris submitted an affidavit assuring that the PTI chief would appear before the court on March 18. At the same time, the lawyer said that Imran Khan did not appear in the court due to security reasons.
The Chief Justice warned that contempt of court proceedings could be initiated against Imran if he violated the affidavit submitted.
Imran’s lawyer replied that my client would appear in the court, come what may. After this, Chief Justice Farooq suspended Imran’s arrest warrant till the hearing of the sessions court. He also directed Imran to appear before the trial court on March 18.
Imran Khan leaves for Lahore High Court
Meanwhile, Imran Khan has left for the High Court from Lahore. PTI leader Cheema said that the PTI chief is going to attend the hearing on the protective bail plea in 9 cases. The Lahore High Court has accepted for hearing Imran’s petitions seeking protective bail on nine First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against him in Islamabad and Lahore.
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