Imran remanded for six more days

RAWALPINDI:

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in the garrison city remanded former prime minister Imran Khan in police custody for another six days on Tuesday in a case related to inciting violence.

Rawalpindi ATC Judge Syed Amjad Ali Shah resumed the hearing inside the city's Adiala Jail, where Imran has been detained for over a year. The PTI founder, who was previously remanded for five days, appeared in court.

During the hearing, Special Public Prosecutor Zaheer Shah claimed that the accused was obstructing the investigation process, and due to his lack of cooperation, the probe had stalled.

"The accused is also refusing to participate in the investigation. Police have gathered evidence related to the protest call, and records of meetings held with the PTI founder in jail have been seized."

Shah argued that additional evidence is being sought, with letters sent to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Press Information Department (PID) for this purpose.

He said Imran is unwilling to give testimony, and requested the court to extend the remand period.

The lawyers representing the PTI founder opposed the extension, arguing that the charges are based on allegations of instigation with no physical recovery involved. Despite these objections, the court extended the remand and adjourned the hearing until December 2.

Rawalpindi's New Town Police in October registered the case with regard to violation of Section 144 by PTI workers on September 28 on the alleged instigation of Imran.

On November 21, the court had dismissed Imran's request to discharge the case and remanded him in police custody. It had also declared Imran's cell at Adiala Jail a part of the police station.

Meanwhile, another court deferred hearing of a case related to alleged violation of the state gift repository rules by Imran and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, during the former's term as the prime minister.

Judge Shahrukh Arjumand presided over hearing of the case inside Adiala Jail. During the hearing he was informed that due to closure of roads in the federal capital and Rawalpindi due to the PTI's protest, some lawyers could not make it to the courtroom.

The judge later adjourned the hearing till November 29.

Islamabad Accountability Court-I also adjourned its hearing of £190m case due to the PTI's protest. Judge Nasir Javed Rana at the last hearing of the case on November 23 issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Bushra Bibi in view of her perpetual absence from the court hearing.

Bushra Bibi is currently leading the PTI's protest in the federal capital.