IHC resumes hearing on Imran’s bail plea in Al-Qadir Trust case

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) resumed hearing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s bail plea in the Al-Qadir Trust case after a break in proceedings.

IHC CJ Aamer Farooq constituted a two-member bench – comprising Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz – to hear Imran’s bail plea in the case.

As the hearing commenced today, a lawyer stood up and chanted slogans in favour of the ousted premier. Expressing its displeasure, the division bench said there should be complete silence, with Justice Miangul warning that the case will not be heard if such acts continue.

The court then took a break for Friday prayers.

As the hearing resumed, Imran stood up and requested everyone to listen to the proceedings quietly, alleging that and individual “had been planted” to disrupt the proceedings earlier.

Reacting to his remark, Advocate General Islamabad Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon raised an objection and questioned why the PTI chief was levelling allegations.

“Jadon sb, I am sorry but I did not say anything about you,” replied Imran.

Khwaja Haris, representing the PTI chief, came to the rostrum and stated that Imran had written to the accountability watchdog for a copy of the inquiry in the Al-Qadir Trust case. “We came to know through the media that the inquiry has been converted into an investigation,” Haris maintained.

‘Looks as if martial law is in place’

During recess, Imran spoke to media to the media again and said “this is my country, my people, be peaceful”. He assured that he has obtained bail “in all cases” and cannot be arrested.

The former prime minister further stated that he has full confidence in the chief justice of Pakistan. Recalling his arrest earlier this week, the PTI chief said he was assaulted with a baton but maintained that NAB’s “behaviour was fine” during his detention.

“I had warned of a reaction,” said Imran referring to his arrest. “How can be held responsible if I was under arrest.”

Elaborating on his arrest, the PTI chief said he was inside the premises of the IHC when he was arrested and “they had no justification” for the act.

Imran maintained that he was “abducted” and was shown the warrant for his arrest while in custody. “This is the law of the jungle.”

“It looks as if martial law has been declared,” said the former premier.

Prior to the start of the hearing, the PTI chief stated that he can be arrested again, adding that he was allowed to talk to his wife Bushra Bibi.

When asked for confirmation that he had reached a ‘deal’, Imran smiled but stayed silent

The former premier reached the IHC amid tight security. On his arrival, a large number of lawyers gathered outside the IHC premises and raised slogans in support of the PTI chief.

The hearing in Courtroom No. 1 commenced after the premises were checked by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and cleared by security officials.

Imran’s counsel, Babar Awan, talking with the media outside the IHC and said that the PTI chief’s “life is in danger”.

He maintained that there are certain people who fear that if Imran is released, their jobs will be at risk. “That is why Punjab Police has come from Lahore,” he added.

The former premier had earlier left for court from the Police Lines guesthouse under a heavy escort.

PTI urges supporters to reach Islamabad

PTI leader Hammad Azhar released a short video on Twitter and urged the party’s supporters to reach Islamabad.

“Everyone should reach Islamabad and safeguard themselves from illegal arrests,” said the PTI leader and added that Friday prayers will be offered in the federal capital.

PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh also urrged PTI supporters to reach the federal capital.

Prior to her arrest today, party leader and former health minister of Punjab Dr Yasmin Rashid also posted a video on Twitter urging PTI workers to reach Islamabad.

“I also want to pay tribute to our peaceful workers who stood strong in the face of aggressors who infiltrated the protests,” she added.

However, after the ousted premier reached the court premises, the Islamabad police again requested the people to cooperate with the law enforcers and stated that “Imran Khan has reached IHC and orders of the Supreme Court were followed”.

High security in the capital

Extraordinary security arrangements were witnessed in the capital ahead of Imran’s appearance at the high court at 11 am.

According to reports, police and Frontier Corps (FC) troops are deployed outside the IHC. Containers have been placed near police lines on the Srinagar Highway and a heavy contingent of police and Rangers officials has been deployed under the Faizabad Bridge, Srinagar Highway and Police Lines.

Read Imran Khan’s dramatic arrest at IHC triggers countrywide protests

Military vehicles were also seen patrolling in Islamabad ahead of the hearing. Moreover, it was reported that no unrelated person will be allowed to enter the high court for the hearing of the high-profile case.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICT) reminded the citizens that Section 144 is still in force in the capital, requesting the public not to obstruct the legal process.

“Citizens are requested to avoid moving in the area of the IHC”, the statement added.

As PTI workers gathered in solidarity with the party chief, ICT police said that the Srinagar Highway has been closed to traffic, requesting citizens to take alternative routes.

A day earlier, the top court came to the rescue of the PTI chief as it declared his arrest by the country’s top graft-buster from the premises of the IHC illegal and directed the immediate release of the former prime minister.

“The petitioner is directed to be produced before the IHC tomorrow—May 12— at 11:00 am for hearing of his writ petition filed to challenge the NAB action against him in the Al-Qadir Trust Case,” said the SC.

The apex court also said the NAB authorities and the Islamabad police shall ensure foolproof security to the petitioner until his production in the IHC.

Read More ‘Imran arrested on merit’: Sana rubbishes claims of political victimisation

Dozens of troops of paramilitary Rangers on May 9 broke into an office of the IHC and whisked Imran away in an armoured vehicle in a whirlwind raid while executing the arrest warrant issued against the former premier by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq later in the same day issued contempt notices to the secretary interior and Islamabad Inspector general police (IGP) over the manner in which the arrest had been carried out but termed the arrest legal.

While violent protests erupted across the country after the development—protests that involved attacks on security personnel and arson of military and civil properties, the PTI on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court against Imran’s arrest.