ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad court Thursday rejected the plea of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan about the suspension of non-bailable arrest warrants being issued in the Toshakhana case.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal gave the verdict reserved earlier, redirecting the concerned authorities to arrest the former prime minister Imran Khan and present him before the court on March 18.
The Judge mentioned that the decision has been taken after reviewing each and every aspect of the law, adding that the petitioners will enjoy reading the detailed verdict.
Earlier on Tuesday PTI approached IHC (Islamabad High Court), requesting to suspend Imran Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case. However, the apex court directed Khan’s counsel to approach the trial court as per law.
The additional district and sessions judge presided over today’s hearing, where Khan’s counsel provided the court with two options — either suspend the issued warrants or issue bailable arrest warrants.
Hearing in The Court Over Suspension of Arrest Warrant
Earlier amid the hearing, chief lawyer of PTI Khawaja Harris read out the order of the Islamabad High Court on the party’s petition to counter the arrest warrants.
In response, the judge stated that the trial court had yet to receive the order of IHC through the official procedure but noted that the issue could be resolved within no time and inquired that where Khan is.
“Has Mr. Khan presented himself before the court?” Zafar Iqbal asked. Khwaja Haris asked the judge whether it was important for the ex-prime minister to appear before the court in person.
“We need Imran Khan to appear before the court. Why isn’t he presenting himself before us? What’s the purpose behind it?” the judge asked, noting that in line with the law, Imran Khan should assist the police and not resists it.
The judge also observed that there “would be no issue” if the warrants were bailable, but the warrants issued against Imran Khan were non-bailable. “The arguments you have given are related to bailable arrest warrants,” the judge told Khwaja Haris.
Khwaja Harris then inquired if the Judge to remain stern and keep Imran Khan’s arrest warrants active. The Judge replied that the warrants were issued to ensure Imran Khan’s presence in person.
After a detailed argumentation, the hearing was adjourned till the appearance of the ECP’s lawyer.
