Non-bailable arrest warrants in judge threat case land Imran Khan in choppy waters
Pakistan
PTI chief requests for exemption from appearing in court due to security fears
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The district and sessions judge in Islamabad on Monday turned down PTI chairman Imran Khan's plea for exemption from appearance and issued his non-bailable arrest warrants in the judge threat case.
The court, while hearing a case pertaining to extending threats to a woman judge by the PTI chief, said he would issue non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan if he did not appear in court during the specified time.
Imran Khan’s counsel Naeem Panjutha appeared before Civil Judge Rana Mujahid Rahim and submitted a request by the PTI chief to exempt him from appearing in court. The application states that due to security fears, the PTI chief has requested for exemption from appearing in court.
However, the judge remarked that if the PTI chief failed to attend the court proceedings during the stipulated time, he would issue non-bailable arrest warrants for Mr Khan. The judge adjourned the hearing till 12:30pm. The court had summoned Mr Khan for Monday to submit copies of the case. A case was registered against him by the Margalla police station.
The PTI chairman on Aug 20 condemned police as well as the judiciary over alleged custodial torture on Shahbaz Gill and announced that his party would file cases against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, the DIG and AD&SJ Zeba Chaudhry.
Initially, Mr Khan was booked under various sections of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Besides, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also initiated contempt of court proceedings against him. Later, the IHC removed the terrorism charges against Mr Khan and also pardoned him after he tendered an apology in the contempt case.
Capital police rebut claims of team arriving in Lahore to arrest Imran Khan
Islamabad Police, earlier today (Monday), rebutted claims of a police team arriving in Lahore to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in connection with threatening a judge case.
The police spokesperson said police personnel were already present in Lahore adding the police, however, would proceed after due consultations. “Police officials will deliberate before taking the move”, he added.
