LHC rejects Imran Khan's protective bail plea

Court remarks it has “no other option but to reject bail plea”

LHC rejects Imran Khan’s protective bail plea. The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s bail plea in a case registered against him over protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office.

Khan had been conditioned to appear before the court in person today to secure immunity from arrest; however, the former prime minister did not oblige to the orders.

The former premier, a day earlier, had approached the LHC after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad cancelled his bail for missing the hearing of a case lodged in light of protests outside the ECP’s office which disqualified him in the Toshakhana case.

At the outset of the hearing today, Advocate Azhar Siddique submitted his power of attorney on behalf of Imran Khan.

“A meeting with Imran Khan’s doctors is going on and the party has concerns over his security,” the lawyer argued before the court and requested additional time.

“How much time do you need?” asked Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh.

To this query, the counsel said that they will try their best to bring Imran Khan in two hours.

After hearing this, the court adjourned the hearing till 12:30pm. But once the hearing resumed, Siddique’s associate again requested the court for more time.

The court then adjourned the hearing again till 2pm.

When the hearing resumed again, the counsel told the court that another bail plea has been filed. He also shared that they had met the doctors and are ready to follow court orders. The lawyer also told the court that the doctor of the former prime minister was also present in the court.

However, Justice Sheikh said that they do not want to hear from the doctor. “Imran Khan must appear in court,” he remarked.

The counsel then asked the court to wait for the other bail plea that was being filed.

“There is no need to wait for it, present your arguments on the current petition,” asked Justice Sheikh.

The lawyer then told the judge that he wants to withdraw the current petition.

At this, Justice Sheikh remarked the problem is that there are different signs of Imran Khan on the affidavit and power of attorney.

“How can the signatures be different?” asked the court.

Khan’s lawyer then asked the court to give him time to look into the matter.

“You look at it right now. Someone tried to commit fraud, I will issue contempt of court notice to you or Imran Khan,” remarked Justice Sheikh. He added that he will not allow the petition to be taken back till the issue is resolved.

“I will have to take instructions from Imran Khan on this,” responded Siddique.

The court then took notice of the different signatures and adjourned the hearing till 6:30 pm.