LHC grants Imran bail in terror case, disposes of ECP protest plea

LAHORE:

A day of high drama and prolonged wait was witnessed at the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday, as PTI Chairman and former premier Imran Khan finally secured relief when he appeared before the court in two separate cases along with thousands of supporters, after being given a “last chance” for an in-person appearance.

A division bench of the LHC headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi granted protective bail to the PTI chief in a case registered under terrorism charges.

Meanwhile, a single bench led by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh disposed of another protective bail plea in a separate case pertaining to protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after the former ruling party withdrew it.

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owever, the PTI chief tendered an apology to the LHC, regretting that the court’s “precious time” had been wasted because of delay in reaching the court. He then clarified that neither he had filed any petition nor signed any document.

Single bench

In the first round of proceedings, Justice Sheikh gave last chance to the PTI chairman to appear before the court at 5pm with directives that a notice would be issued to him that “why the contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him”.

The judge passed the order when PTI counsel Khawaja Tariq Raheem explained the reason for Imran’s non-appearance at the LHC despite the assurance given to the court during the February 16 proceedings about his presence.

The lawyer also questioned the “inadequate” security arrangements provided to them despite assurance given by the Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab in this regard.

We were promised to be given a signal-free Mall Road from Imran’s residence to the court but it is still jam-packed, the counsel argued.

Regarding security at LHC, he said the PTI had submitted an application with court’s relevant quarters seeking permission for the entrance of Imran’s vehicle into the LHC premises but their application was dismissed.

However, on a court’s query about difference in signatures on three documents – petition, affidavit and power of attorney – Imran’s counsel argued that this protective bail did not have the PTI chief’s signatures.

You mean this petition was not filed by Imran Khan, Justice Sheikh asked.

The counsel argued that Imran had not filed the petition.

Then who filed this petition, Justice Sheikh asked.

Advocate Azhar Siddique will explain it, Imran’s counsel responded.

“I am admitting before the court that the said documents did not contain the signatures of Imran Khan,” the counsel said.

The judge started dictating his order thrice to the court staffer but the PTI chief’s counsel continued arguing and requested the court not to issue notice to Imran, adding that the matter did not fall under the contempt proceedings.

“You people made mockery of the Constitution. Compromise on court’s dignity cannot be tolerated,” Justice Sheikh remarked.

Finally, the LHC granted last chance after PTI’s counsel assured the court that the PTI chairman would appear before it by 5pm.

Division bench

The PTI chairman first appeared before the division bench.

As the proceedings commenced, Justice Najafi asked, “Where is the petitioner?”

Imran’s counsels Raheem and Siddique said that he was present at the court’s premises.

An apparent irked judge asked why Imran was not appearing despite his presence at the court.

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The counsels argued that the police officials were not cooperating and that there was a crowd because of which the PTI chief’s presence was getting difficult.

He will have to appear before the court, Justice Najafi remarked.

The judge directed the concerned SP security to bring the PTI chief before the court.

The counsels complained about non-cooperation on part of the police officials, saying they were promised by the IGP that Imran would be brought into the LHC within 10 minutes.

The court came down hard on the security in-charge when Imran was not produced before the court.

However, the court proceedings were adjourned till 7:30pm.

As the proceedings commenced again, the judge was told that the police officials had failed in making way for Imran to the court room.

Finally, the PTI chief appeared before the court.

The court granted ad-interim anticipatory bail protective in nature till March 3 enabling him to approach the concerned court.

Imran Khan

The PTI chief told the division bench that he waited for a long time sitting in his vehicle for appearing before the court.

Imran said he respected the courts, adding that the name of his party – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (movement for justice) – was also based on justice.

Regarding his leg injury, he said his condition was improving and that he had been advised rest for two weeks.

Single bench

After appearing before the division bench, Imran appeared before Justice Sheikh’s court.

Justice Sheikh presided over the hearing of the PTI chief's protective bail in the ECP protest case wherein Imran appeared for the verification of his signatures on three documents.

The judge asked him if he was aware about the petition filed in the court containing different signatures in three documents.

The PTI chief replied that he had neither filed any petition nor signed any document.

As Imran tendered an apology, Justice Sheikh remarked, “you people should be careful about it”.

However, the judge disposed of the protective bail after Imran explained his position and the counsels requested the court to withdraw it.

PTI lawmakers

PTI lawmakers Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Shibli Faraz, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Shahbaz Gill and others were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, thousands of PTI supporters reached the LHC along with Imran. They chanted slogans in favour of the party chief, maintaining that Imran was the only hope for the country.

Heavy contingents of police were deployed to avoid any untoward incident on the arrival of the PTI chairman.