Islamabad, 12 May 2023 (GNP): Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday granted bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The decision comes a day after Supreme Court ruled that his arrest was “illegal.”
A two-member special division bench made up of Justices Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Saman Imtiaz authorized the two-week bail.
Imran Khan’s counsel, Haris, asserted at the hearing that the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) activities against the former prime minister were unlawful.
Haris emphasized that the investigation’s changeover from an inquiry was done with the intention of detaining Imran Khan right away.
He also told the court that the notification that was delivered to him on March 2 did not adhere to the NAB Ordinance’s regulations.
After hearing the arguments, the IHC released Imran Khan on bail for two weeks and sent the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) a notice. The next hearing will see a response from the anti-corruption watchdog.
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In addition, the court gave preparation instructions to Imran’s counsel and NAB prosecutor general.
Before the hearing, Imran Khan expressed concern about a possible re-arrest by saying, “I might be arrested again by the authorities.”
His representative, Naeem Haider Panjhota, underlined outside the Islamabad High Court that lawyers were being refused access to the courtroom and that extra police presence implied a potential arrest.
Imran Khan also voiced his grievances, alleging that he was “abducted from the court” and feeling as though Martial Law had been declared in the country.
Khan arrived at IHC under heavy security measures:
PTI leader appeared before the Islamabad High Court over the Al-Qadir Trust case under heavy security.
Police officers and Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were also stationed outside the IHC as part of strict security measures.
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Containers were put close to police lines on the Srinagar Highway, and there was substantial police and Rangers presence under the Faizabad Bridge, the Srinagar Highway, and the Police Lines.
PTI said that “peaceful” supporters will assemble at Islamabad’s G-13 on the Srinagar Highway to show solidarity with Imran Khan following his court appearance. The party also confirmed that Imran would address the gathering after the court proceedings.
