News Desk
ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday warned of issuing a notice of contempt against the former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on a petition asking for the PTI chief’s protective bail in a case pertaining to protests outside the ECP (Election Commission of Pakistan). The Apex Court also ordered the PTI chairman to appear in person before the court on Monday.
The warning remarks were passed by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh after he noted that Imran’s signatures on the affidavit, attached with the petition and a power of attorney, were different.
On 15 February, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad, on the grounds of non-appearance, rejected the request of Imran Khan for an extension in his interim bail in a case related to violent protests outside the Election Commission after it disqualified him in the Toshakhana case.
Imran Khan has been convalescing in his Zaman Park residence in the provincial capital since he was wounded in an assassination attempt during a stopover in Wazirabad while their caravan was marching toward Islamabad.
Subsequently, Imran Khan approached the LHC for interim protective bail, but the apex court refused to grant the bail without his personal appearance and adjourned the petition till 16 February.
Justice Sheikh remarked that bringing him on a stretcher or in an ambulance as bail will not be granted to him without appearing in court.
Earlier on today, the PTI Chairman submitted a power of attorney in court declaring Advocate Azhar Siddique as his counsel for the case.
During the court proceedings, Imran’s lawyer Azhar Siddique requested the court for some time, adding that his client was meeting his doctors and the party had some security concerns.
However, he assured the court that his client would be in court. At that, the hearing was adjourned till 12:30pm.
When the hearing resumed, Azhar Siddique once against requested more time. “Consultations still under way… we need more time,” he said.
Justice Sheikh asked if Imran would appear before the court at all, to which the lawyer said: “Consultations on this [issue] are underway.” the hearing was adjourned again for another hour. More hearings were held at 2 pm, 4 pm and then at 6:30 pm.
Warning of Issuing Contempt Notice
When the hearing resumed at 4 pm, Imran’s counsel said that the PTI chief was taking ownership of both the signatures. At this, Justice Sheikh demanded that Imran “own up to them in front of me or else I will issue a contempt of court notice to the counsel and the petitioner”.
The lawyer said that if it deemed it appropriate, the court could question Imran about the signatures through video link. “Doctors have advised Imran Khan to refrain from walking,” he said.
He further contended that the court could appoint a bailiff so that the matter could be clarified.
However, Justice Sheik said that the court had to function according to the law. “Imran Khan will give a statement about the signatures after taking an oath.”
The Lahore High Court rejected Siddique’s clarification regarding the signatures, upon which the counsel asked for more time for “consultation”.
The council insisted that Imran had admitted both the signatures were his, considering which, the LHC adjourned the hearing till 6:30pm with Justice Sheikh demanding that Imran “verify the signature in front of him”.
Shortly before the hearing was scheduled to resume, PTI Farrukh Habib said that Imran had been advised by his doctors to limit his movement and that there were also security threats.
He noted that the court had been informed of these facts. “[But] the court has directed Imran to appear in person for [obtaining] protective bail, therefore, he will appear before the LHC.”
When the hearing resumed, Khawaja Tariq Rahim appeared on Imran’s behalf on the court.
“Imran Khan respects the courts,” Rahim said. He called on the court to make the necessary arrangements, saying that Imran would appear in the courtroom tomorrow.
He further contended that the court could “punish” the lawyer responsible for the issue regarding the signatures. “A decision has to be made after looking at the security arrangements. We can sit down with the high court security to finalize [arrangements].”
At this, Justice Sheikh said that a meeting could be arranged with the Punjab IG. He directed the provincial police chief to sit down with Imran’s legal team and finalize security arrangements.
The court also directed Imran’s counsel to present the ex-premier in court on Monday (February 19) at 2:00pm.
