Connect with us

Politics

Hearings on cases against PTI chairman in IHC, local courts today

Published

on

ISLAMABAD: The hearings on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s bail pleas in separate cases registered in the federal capital are scheduled to be held at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and a local court today (Thursday).

The former prime minister reached the high court where the hearing will begin shortly. 

Hearing on his bail pleas in eight cases will be held later at an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in the Islamabad judicial complex and another at a local court present inside the same complex.

The ex-PM is facing a barrage of legal woes since his ouster in a no-confidence vote in April last year by a united opposition led by his successor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He claims that he is facing nearly 150 cases, including the infamous £190 million settlement case related to the transfer of multi-million pounds from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and denies all of them.

New charges against him have been piling up since his May 9 arrest on corruption charges, which sparked protests by his supporters who ransacked military facilities. 

After the hearings, the PTI chief will appear before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at its Rawalpindi office for the investigations of the NCA case.

NAB’s combined investigation team (CIT) had summoned the former prime minister to answer the questionnaire, given to him on his last appearance on May 23.

Female judge threatening case

The Islamabad police had served summons to the cricketer-turned-politician for an appearance at a district and sessions court today (June 8), but a plea seeking his exemption from the hearing was filed. 

PTI chief’s lawyer Salman Safdar while filing the plea maintained that six new cases had been registered against his client.

“PTI chairman will appear before the courts in 17 different cases,” the lawyer informed the court, reiterating that the former premier had also survived an assassination attack.

Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman adjourned the hearing till the prosecutor appears.

During the hearing, Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi maintained that the PTI chief skips the hearings due to trivial reasons and was taking unfair advantage of pre-arrest bail.

He requested the court to summon a guarantor on the former PM’s behalf and cancel his bail plea.

At this, the judicial magistrate reserved the verdict on the plea for exemption plea.

It should be noted that the charges, in this case, are related to a speech by the ex-PM in which he allegedly threatened police and a female judge last year after one of his close aides, Shahbaz Gill, was denied bail in a sedition case.

ATC hearing

Former premier’s lawyer Salman Safdar appeared before the ATC and informed the judge that the PTI chief’s bail pleas in 17 cases had to be filed.

He maintained that the ex-PM was willing to join the investigations.

During the hearing, Prosecutor Adnan Ali maintained that the former premier’s behaviour showed he didn’t want to join the investigations.

The judge directed the PTI chief to join investigations at police lines.

At this, the defence lawyers requested the court to allow the former premier to join the investigations at the judicial complex as it was not possible at police lines.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till the appearance of the PTI chief.

PTI chief files pleas for bail in six new cases

Meanwhile, fresh pleas were filed in the IHC for the PTI chief’s bail in five new cases related to the May 9 protests and another case of fake Toshakhana receipt.

The counsel has requested an immediate hearing on the pleas today.

Section 144 violation

Meanwhile, the PTI chief’s legal team approached the relevant court for his bail in the case related to the violation of Section 144.

The case was registered at Margala Police Station last month.

Sessions judge Nasir Javed Rana allocated the hearing on the bail plea to additional sessions judge Sikandar Khan, who will conduct the hearing at the judicial complex due to security concerns.

Latest News

Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

Published

on

By

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

Continue Reading

Latest News

PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

Published

on

By

The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

Published

on

By

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

Continue Reading

Trending