ATC extends Imran's interim bail in three cases
Pakistan
Court rejects Hammad Azhar’s interim bail due to non-appearance
LAHORE (Dunya News) – An anti-terrorism court of Lahore on Tuesday extended till April 13 interim bails of PTI chairman Imran Khan in three cases relating to arson, violence against police and Zille Shah murder.
Owing to security threats to the PTI chief, the judge conducted hearing of the cases in his chamber. Imran Khan appeared before the ATC judge in his chamber. Lawyers representing he PTI chief said Imran Khan had joined the investigation.
Earlier, PTI chairman Imran Khan reached the anti-terrorism court to seek bail in the three cases. The court had dismissed a plea made by Mr Khan, requesting for exemption from court appearance in the cases.
Mr Khan had filed exemption plea in the three cases in the anti-terrorism case through his counsel Barrister Salman Safdar. The counsel for Imran Khan said the case was under trial. They said judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar of the court concerned was on leave. They further said Imran Khan was unable to attend court due to security reasons.
They were of the view that due to leave of the judge, Imran Khan’s attendance was not necessary. Hearing of the case was conducted by duty judge.
The counsel said the PTI chief was facing severe security threats. The court inquired whether Imran Khan would attend court or not. The lawyers said two former prime ministers had been assassinated.
They requested the court to give them time till 1:30 pm so that the PTI chief could attend court. The judge said the PTI chief should attend court till 11am when it would resume hearing of the case. The court said if he failed to attend court, it would decide the case accordingly.
The court remarked that only those people who attend the court are given relief.
Meanwhile, the ATC rejected the interim bail plea of PTI leader Hammad Azhar for his failure to appear.
