Court extends Imran's interim bail until April 13 in three cases

A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday extended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's interim bail until April 13 in three cases.

The former premier appeared before the ATC after being instructed to come to court at 11 am. The PTI chief had filed petitions for bail in three FIRs registered with the Race Course police station under different charges, including an alleged attack on police officials and setting ablaze state properties in the Zaman Park area.

Earlier, the court had granted Imran bail till April 4 (today) and restrained the police from arresting him.

During the hearing today, Joint Investigation Team (JIT) chief Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imran Kishor appeared in the courtroom and stated that there was no investigation involving Imran Khan. To this, Imran's counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, said that he could submit a written statement to the police or the JIT could visit Imran's residence at Zaman Park.

The duty judge remarked that it was preferable for the counsel to submit a written statement.

Safdar told the court that he was prepared to submit Imran's written statement. At this, the court ordered the head of the JIT to appear at the next hearing and further directed him to complete the investigation as soon as possible.

Imran Khan reached the ATC amid a heavy contingent of security deployed at the court. Subsequently, the hearing was delayed due to rush.

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The court staff directed that all people, including the media, should leave the courtroom while the ATC judge and Safdar moved to another courtroom.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till April 13 while extending the PTI chief's interim bail in three cases.

The lawyer told the court in front of the duty judge that Imran Khan "has joined the investigation".

Earlier hearing

The hearing began earlier today with Imran absent. The application was heard by the duty judge of the court, and the former premier’s counsel informed the court that Imran faces very serious security threats.

When the court inquired if Imran would be informed that he has to appear, his lawyer argued that two prime ministers have been killed in Pakistan’s history. He requested the court to give Imran time till 1:30 pm to appear before the court.

However, the court ordered that Imran must appear by 11 am, maintaining that a decision will be taken as per the law even if the PTI chief fails to appear. The court remarked that relief would only be given to those who appear before it.

On the other hand, the ATC rejected PTI leader Hamad Azhar's interim bail application on grounds of non-compliance.

The court also rejected the interim bail of Fawad Chaudhry in the case of arson, violence against the police and interference in government functions on the grounds of non-compliance.