Court comes to PTI chief's rescue in Al-Qadir Trust case
Pakistan
A day earlier, SC had declared PTI chief's arrest illegal
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday granted bail to PTI chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case, barring the authorities from arresting him till May 17.
A division bench comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz announced the ruling that is expected to cool down the tension in the country, which erupted following the arrest of the former premier.
Earlier, the bench resumed hearing after a short break for Friday prayers. The hearing, which started around two hours late, was adjourned minutes after the former premier was brought to courtroom amid tight security. The court issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau authorities and others.
A large number of PTI lawyers and leaders are present outside the court while Islamabad police, and Rangers have tightended the security to avoid any untoward situation.
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Key Highlights
Imran Khan brought to high court amid tight security and police disperse PTI workers
Justice Aurangzeb expresses rage over sloganeering inside courtroom
Court grants reprieve to the PTI chief for two weeks
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Before the break, the court asked Mr Khan if he was given telephone facility to contact his wife. He replied he could not contact Bushra Bibi but held telephonic conversation with PTI leader Musarrat Jamshed Cheema.
Amid the proceedings, some people raised slogans in favour of Imran Khan, which enraged the judges. Justice Aurangzeb said it would be impossible to continue the proceedings in such an environment. The PTI lawyers distanced themselves from the sloganeering and pleaded the judge to issue an order to arrest the person involved in it.
Earlier in the day, the PTI chief was brought to the court from the guest house of the Islamabad Police Lines amid security measures. After reaching the high court, the former premier completed biometric verification process to file the petition and later moved to the Room No 2 of the IHC.
Mr Khan is being represented by his lawyer Khawaja Harris in the case. The former premier has filed four separate petitions, seeking bail, details of cases registered against him and clubbing of all cases.
Tension Grips Islamabad
PTI protesters engaged in clashes with security forces on Srinagar Highway in the federal capital when they attempted to move towards the high court.
Imran Khan's Arrest Declared Illegal
His arrest earlier this week, which sparked deadly unrest, was ruled "invalid and unlawful" by the Supreme Court on Thursday. The apex court also directed the former premier to appear before the IHC on Friday (today).
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) said thousands of "peaceful Pakistanis" from across the country would gather in Islamabad in solidarity with their leader.
According to reports, nearly 2,000 people have been arrested and eight killed after Mr Khan's supporters clashed with police, attacked military establishments and set other state buildings and assets ablaze, prompting the government to call in the army to help restore order.
The army has warned supporters that it would respond firmly if there were further attacks on its assets. It said in a statement on Wednesday that the violence on its installations was "pre-planned" and ordered by his party leadership.
