LAHORE , April 18, 2023: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday restrained authorities from harassing PTI Chairman Imran Khan on a petition filed by him for early hearing of 121 cases registered against him.
“Imran Khan should not be illegally harassed until the next hearing,” the court mentioned in its verdict.
The PTI chairman had also sought order for police not to carry out any operation against him at Zaman Park during Eid holidays.
However, the top court of the province ruled that any operation under the law could not be stopped. The court adjourned hearing of the case till May 2. Earlier, the court had reserved its judgement. The PTI chairman had also requested bail in the 121 cases registered against him.
A five-member larger bench, headed by the chief justice, heard the petition of former prime minister Imran Khan against possible operation at Zaman Park and summons delivered to him.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, submitted before the court that there were reports of police action in Zaman Park on Eid and if action took place, they would not be able to approach the court during the holidays.
The public prosecutor told the court that he had no information about any such plan. PTI Chairman Imran Khan came to the rostrum and told the court that in his opinion operation could be launched on Eid. He said they had done it before when he went to appear in Islamabad and an operation was conducted at his house.
Imran’s bail extended by IHC till May 3
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court extended the bail of the PTI chief in eight cases registered against him. The cases were registered at Golra, Bara Kahu, Ramna, Khanna, and CTD police stations related to the violence at the Federal Judicial Complex.
The police accused the PTI chief and party workers of being involved in attacking police thus creating chaos outside the FJC in Islamabad during the hearing of the Toshakhana case on March 18.
The bail was extended by the two-member bench comprising the IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farroq and justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.
During the hearing, the PTI chief’s lawyer said that Imran had to appear in the LHC and he could not be present in the IHC due to security factor.
Also, Imran’s lawyer requested the appearance of his client through the video link given the security issues.
The court, however, responded that the use of this technology was an unusual relief and a wrong example would be set if the court allowed its use.