Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has been granted interim bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The bail plea was heard by a two-member bench of Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, constituted by IHC CJ Aamer Farooq.
The Court Proceedings
As the hearing started, a lawyer stood up and chanted slogans in favor of the ousted premier, to which the division bench expressed its displeasure, warning that the case would not be heard if such acts continued. The court then took a break for Friday prayers.
When the hearing resumed, Imran requested everyone to listen to the proceedings quietly, alleging that an individual had been planted to disrupt the proceedings earlier. Advocate General Islamabad Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon raised an objection and questioned why Imran was levelling allegations. Haris, representing Imran, stated that Imran had written to the accountability watchdog for a copy of the inquiry in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The lawyer added that the manner in which the inquiry was converted into an investigation, the aim was to arrest Imran immediately.
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The court then inquired if the PTI counsel was sent a questionnaire. Haris replied that the questionnaire was not sent, however, he had sought further information. He added that NAB has to inform the individual whether the summons is as an accused or as a witness, adding that if a person has been summoned as an accused, the bureau has to explain the charges. Haris further argued that NAB can convert an inquiry into an investigation only if there is sufficient evidence.
The court then summoned NAB Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi to the rostrum. Abbasi informed the bench that Imran never appeared before the bureau. The NAB prosecutor further informed the court that former accountability czar Shahzad Akbar was also sent a notice but he did not join the inquiry. The court then granted the PTI chief two weeks interim bail and barred NAB from arresting Imran.
Article 245 of the Constitution
Advocate General Islamabad Jadoon commenced his arguments and said that he would not discuss the merits of the case, but read Article 245 of the Constitution instead. “The high court cannot hear a case in an area where the army has been summoned under Article 245,” he added. The bench asked the AG if the court should do away with all writ petitions due to Article 245. Justice Aurangzeb then questioned if martial law has been imposed. To this, Jadoon replied the army was called to aid in the restoration of law and order following violent protests.
Imran Khan’s Statements
During recess, Imran spoke to the media again and said, “this is my country, my people, be peaceful.” He assured that he has obtained bail “in all cases” and cannot be arrested.
Conclusion
The Islamabad High Court granted Imran Khan interim bail for two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case. During the hearing, Imran alleged that an individual had been planted to disrupt the proceedings earlier. Advocate General Islamabad Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon raised an objection and questioned why Imran was levelling allegations. Haris, representing Imran, stated that Imran had written to the accountability watchdog for a copy of the inquiry in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The court then summoned NAB Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi to the rostrum. Abbasi informed the bench that Imran never appeared before the bureau. The court granted the PT
