ISLAMABAD: The top court Thursday summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in-person on July 24, in the case related to the murder of a senior lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar in Quetta in June.
The former premier who is embroiled in a slew of cases had moved the Supreme Court against his nomination in the case.
Unidentified people on three motorbikes gunned down advocate Shar while he was on his way to the Balochistan High Court (BHC) on June 6.
A first information report (FIR) had been registered against Imran Khan and others on the complaint of the slain lawyer’s son Siraj Ahmed advocate in Quetta, under the charges of murder, provisions of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and other laws.
Interesting to note that Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ataullah Tarar held the PTI chairman “directly responsible” for the murder within hours of the murder while sitting in Islamabad, claiming that the targeted killing was related to a treason case filed by the slain lawyers against Imran Khan under Article 6 of the Constitution.
A three-member bench comprising Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Mussarat Hilali heard Khan’s plea. “The petitioner has to surrender before the court to get relief,” remarked Justice Afridi during the proceedings. He asked Khan’s lawyer to tell the PTI chief to appear before the court in a personal capacity.
Justice Naqvi inquired if Khan could appear before the court today (Thursday). At this, lawyer Latif Khosa informed the court that Khan would appear in the SC in an hour.
Meanwhile, Justice Afridi viewed that it would be better if the government’s lawyer submits his reply first.
The complainant’s lawyers said that the case was about PTI chief’s appearance before the joint investigation team formed to probe the murder case. Khan’s lawyer, however, responded by saying that the defence does not acknowledge the JIT in the murder case.
At this, Justice Naqvi said that the petitioner is supposed to appear in person to acquire bail or orders for quashing the FIR. Later, the court adjourned the hearing till July 24, ordering PTI chief to appear at 10:30 am.
Khan had filed plea in the apex court seeking the quashing of the FIR that nominated him in the case.
