IHC issues release order for Imran Khan following Toshakhana case bail approval

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been granted bail in the Toshakhana case, following a decision by the Islamabad High Court. Special Central Court Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand issued release orders after approving the necessary bail sureties.

Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was granted bail on the condition that he submit two surety bonds worth Rs 1 million each, guaranteed by Tariq Noon and Raja Ghulam Sajjad. The court ordered his release, stating that, "If he is not detained in any other case, he should be set free."

This decision comes after Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb of the Islamabad High Court approved the bail request in the Toshakhana II case. Imran Khan's legal team argued that he posed no flight risk and was prepared to comply with all judicial requirements.

The Toshakhana case involves charges against Imran Khan for allegedly mishandling and retaining gifts from the official state repository. Imran Khan’s lawyers contend that he followed the rules for declaring and handling gifts, while political analysts suggest the charges are politically motivated.

This ruling marks a crucial development as Imran Khan faces a number of legal challenges. The Islamabad High Court previously set conditions for his bail, asserting that the bonds, totalling Rs 2 million, were essential to assure his compliance.

However, earlier this week, an anti-terrorism court approved a five-day physical remand of Imran Khan, in connection with a case registered at Rawalpindi’s New Town police station.

The court session took place at Adiala Jail, with Judge Amjad Ali Shah presiding, Express News reported.

The prosecution requested a 15-day remand for Imran Khan, but the court approved a five-day period.

Under this order, Investigation Officer Rashid Kayani will conduct the investigation at Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently being held.

As the remand was granted, Imran Khan's cell within the prison was formally designated as a police station for the duration of the custody period. He will remain under New Town police jurisdiction while in custody.

According to court orders, Imran Khan is to be presented before the court on 26 November, where further steps in the investigation will be determined based on any new evidence collected.

Imran Khan, who faces multiple cases, continues to be held on various charges, including allegations of terrorism-related activities. The current remand is part of ongoing legal actions against him, with police custody aiding investigators in gathering further evidence related to the case.

Imran Khan was arrested in another terrorism case registered at New Town Police Station in Rawalpindi. This follows his recent bail approval in the Toshakhana case by the Islamabad High Court, Express News reported.

After securing bail in the Toshakhana case, Imran Khan was apprehended in relation to charges filed against him at New Town Police Station, which include arson, stone-throwing, resisting the police, and damaging government property. The case also includes terrorism-related charges.

A team led by the SSP Investigation is currently interrogating Imran Khan. The spokesperson for Rawalpindi Police has stated that Imran Khan will be presented in court today for a physical remand hearing.