ECP protest case: LHC rejects Imran Khan's plea to withdraw bail petition, adjourns hearing till 4pm

PTI chief's lawyer hinted at submitting exemption pleas in the case

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday turned down PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s request to withdraw his bail plea in a case pertaining to protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and adjourned the hearing till 4pm.

The development comes after Mr Khan defied an order to appear before the high court by 2pm. As Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh resumed the hearing, the PTI chief’s lawyer Azhar Siddique said personal physician of his client was present to brief the court.

To which, the judge said: “I would not hear the doctor as he was not a party in the case”. Mr Siddique said he wanted to take back the petition as they had got relief from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

However, Justice Sheikh pointed out a difference between signatures of Imran Khan on the power of attorney and affidavit submitted in the court. He called it an important issued, stating that he would issue a contempt notice to the PTI chief. He also sought an explanation from the lawyer on the matter.

The LHC judge also refused to dispose of the case saying he was pending it till 4pm. Azhar Siddique said a new bail petition would be filed shortly.  

Earlier today, the LHC put off the hearing by 2pm while ordering the PTI chief appear before the court. 

At the outset of the hearing, Imran Khan's counsel said the consultation process was still going on and they needed an hour's more time. The court asked the lawyer whether Imran Khan would appear now upon which lawyer said he [Imran Khan] was being consulted. The LHC then adjourned further court proceedings till 2pm  

Earlier, as Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh resumed hearing, Advocate Azhar Siddique submitted power of attorney to represent the former prime minister in the case. The lawyer told the judge that Mr Khan had full trust in the judiciary. He said: “We may offer excuse to court if Imran Khan is not allowed to travel by the doctor”. Saying Mr Khan is head of the country’s largest political party, he said there were also threats to the life of the PTI chief. 

He also hinted at submitting another plea seeking exemption from personal appearance in the case, adding: “We are ponding over two different aspects in the case”. After his arguments, the court earlier adjourned the hearing till 12:30pm. 

Mr Khan had filed the plea for protective bail after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday cancelled his bail in a case lodged against him over protesting outside the ECP office.

However, the high court conditioned the bail with the personal appearance of Mr Khan in the case and ordered him to appear before it until 9 am on Thursday.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh had remarked that the appellant should be presented before the court on a stretcher or in the ambulance until 8 pm, if necessary.

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In the plea, Mr Khan stated that he was a law-abiding citizen and he wanted to surrender himself before the court. He wanted to file a fresh interim bail plea in the court, so protective bail should be granted to him, the plea added.

The plea further stated that Mr Khan had been nominated in the case to victimise him politically. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had rejected the bail plea and had not given Mr Khan an exemption from appearing before the court on medical grounds, the plea stated.