Imran Khan seeks Islamabad High Court's help against potential military custody

PTI founder petitions to stay in civilian custody for trial, seeking to avoid military court in May 9 cases.

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Incarcerated former premier and founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to prevent his transfer to military custody for trial in cases related to the events of 9 May.

The petition, filed by his lawyer, Uzair Karamat Bhandari, seeks to ensure that Imran remains under civilian jurisdiction.

The application names several government officials as respondents, including the Secretary of Law, Secretary of Interior, Inspector Generals of Islamabad and Punjab, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Inspector General of Prisons.

The plea requests the court to restrain authorities from handing Imran over to military custody and to ensure his trial remains within the civilian judicial system.

Yesterday, Imran expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, stating that discussions will take place only with those who make the decisions.

During a conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Imran Khan remarked that May 9 is their "insurance policy."

He further claimed that if May 9 is disregarded, the government and its politics will come to an end.

He suggested forming a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9.

"Whenever the topic of negotiations arises, they start making noise about May 9. We are always ready for talks. We will speak with those who make the decisions," he added.

Imran Khan also mentioned that his potential appointment as Chancellor of Oxford University would be a matter of pride for Pakistan.

However, he stated that even if he doesn't become Chancellor, it wouldn't be an issue.

Earlier on July 25, incarcerated and beleaguered former premier had filed a petition against his potential handover to military custody, arguing that detainees involved in the events of May 9 should remain under the jurisdiction of civilian courts, and sought an injunction to this effect.

The petition was submitted by Imran's lawyer, Uzair Karamat, to the Lahore High Court (LHC). The federal government and the Inspector Generals (IGs) of all four provinces have been made respondents in the case.

Imran stated that a false narrative had been constructed, accusing him of inciting protests at the General Headquarters (GHQ).