ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking the shifting of at least four courts from Sector F-8 Markaz to the comparatively secure premises of the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) in Sector G-11.

The petition stated that due to the fragile law and order situation in the premises of the sessions court in Sector F-8 Markaz, it is not ‘convenient’ for Mr Khan to appear in the relevant judicial magistrates’ trial courts.

In the petition, Mr Khan cited the chief commissioner, inspector general, and district administration of Islamabad as respondents.

The IHC has granted protective bail to the PTI chairman in seven cases registered within the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad till June 12. These cases were based on the FIRs registered in four police stations in Islamabad.

In the FIRs registered at Khanna, Shahzad Town, Tarnol, Karachi Com­pany and Kohsar police stations, Mr Khan has been accused of inciting people to block the main highways and attack the police officials on May 9. In a couple of FIRs, Mr Khan is also facing charges of abetting attacks on police officials.

In an FIR registered with Kohsar Police, the PTI chief, his spouse Bushra Bibi, Shahzad Akbar, and Zulfi Bukhari were accused of misuse of a shop receipt to sell Toshakhana watches.

Earlier in March, at least 25 people were injured and 30 automobiles and a police chowki were set on fire during clashes between the police and PTI supporters in Islamabad when former prime minister Imran Khan arrived at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) to attend hearing in the Toshakhana case.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2023