ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) and an anti-terrorism court of Islamabad on Friday extended the pre-arrest interim bail of former prime minister Imran Khan in the case related to violence outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) extended the bail of Mr Khan in the case based on the FIR registered over manhandling of PML-N lawmaker Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq directed Mr Khan to join the investigation.

Mr Khan did not appear before the court, his counsel advocate Qaiser Imam argued that due to emergency situation in Lahore, PTI chief was unable to travel to Islamabad.

The court inquired from the investigating officer as if Mr Khan has joined the investigation? The investigating officer replied in negative.

Justice Farooq observed that not joining the investigation would have legal consequences.

Advocate General Islamabad Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon requested the court to direct Mr Khan to join the proceeding or investigation at least in one of the cases pending in Islamabad’s courts.

IHC Chief Justice observed that the law will take its own course.

He directed Mr Khan to join the investigation and adjourned further hearing till March 21.

The ATC was hearing the case related to the FIR against Mr Khan as well as other leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was booked in the said case after a protest turned ‘violent’ outside the ECP.

His counsel informed the court that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was also hearing a bail plea of Mr Khan in a related matter and requested the court to adjourn this case till the decision of high court.

He also sought exemption for Mr Khan from personal appearance citing security threats.

The public prosecutor on the other hand argued that PTI chief is not attending the court’s proceeding for security reasons but he is also intending to lead a rally.

ATC Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan however extended the interim bail till March 21.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2023