On Thursday, the country's highest court ruled that the paramilitary Forces' arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Al-Qadir Trust case was illegal.
The plea submitted by the former prime minister to challenge the IHC judgment deeming his arrest valid was heard by a three-member bench of the supreme court, which also included Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Athar Minallah. The bench was presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial.
According to the ruling issued by the bench, "for the reasons to be recorded later, this Miscellaneous Application is allowed, Criminal Petition be numbered accordingly, and same is converted into appeal and disposed of in the following terms."
In the Al-Qadir Trust case, the arrest warrant issued by the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau on May 1, 2023, against the petitioner was carried out in an illegal and invalid way, according to the court's ruling.
The court noted that the petitioner had already appeared in person to request judicial review of the National Accountability Bureau's decision in the matter and that the execution of the stated warrant violated both his right to access justice and the dignity and safety of the court. According to the judgment, "in this regard, the petitioner's fundamental rights under articles 4-9, 10-A, and 14 of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Constitution have been violated." Imran Khan has been directed by the court to appear before the IHC today (Friday) at 11:00 for the court to hear his writ petition challenging the NAB proceedings against him in the Al-Qadir Trust Case.
The court further instructed the National Investigation Bureau officials and Islamabad Police to provide the petitioner (Imran Khan) with impenetrable protection up till his appearance in the IHC in this respect.
The court further ordered the Independent High Court Registrar to forward the case to the IHC Chief Justice for the purpose of assembling a bench to hear the case.
The petitioner would remain on the grounds where he was held in police custody, namely Police Lines Guest House, H-11, Islamabad, to ensure his protection till his presence in the high court today, the court observed in its order. The directive states that Imran Khan should be permitted to meet a maximum of ten visitors while he is staying at the Police Guest House, provided that he provides the appropriate Police Officer with their information and they pass a police security check.
The court ruled that these people should be permitted to remain with the petitioner for as long as he chooses, adding that this order will be in effect until the petitioner appears before the top court today.
However, the court made it clear that this ruling won't have any negative effects on the NAB's investigation into the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Imran's attorney, Hamid Khan, claimed in court earlier during the hearing that the PTI chairman had been before the IHC to obtain bail in the NAB matter and that the Rangers had shown up as Imran was having his biometrics taken. He added that the PTI head was violently detained and handled poorly after being arrested by Rangers soldiers who knocked down doors and windows.
According to Hamid Khan, collecting biometric data was necessary for the legal process.
Imran Khan must appear before the court by 4:30 p.m, according to a court order issued by the IGP of Islamabad. Extraordinary security measures were implemented inside and outside the Supreme Court building throughout the session. Later, the PTI chairman was transported under heavy security from the Islamabad Police Lines to the Supreme Court. Through the judges' entrance gate, he was brought to the Supreme Court.
Imran Khan was informed by the chief justice that horrifying acts of violence had occurred all over the nation following his incarceration, and that the court desired for there to be peace.
According to the CJP, when a person approaches a court, it also signifies that he surrenders in front of the court.
Hamid Khan, meanwhile, begged the court to transfer his client to a house in Banigala. But Justice Bandial pointed out that it would be proper for him to stay at the Police Lines Rest House for security concerns.
When the former prime minister was brought before the Supreme Court on Thursday evening, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan exchanged a few words.
Imran was received by CJP Bandial, who reportedly requested him to "condemn" the violent protests that erupted as a result of his [Imran's] imprisonment.
"I also don't want to see the country suffer or for people to get angry. The PTI leader begged the court, "I just want free and fair elections," stressing that he had been jailed despite responding to letters from the National Accountability Bureau.
When the court asked Imran Khan if he was aware of the situation in Pakistan, Imran Khan said that his phone had been taken away and that he was unaware of it.
According to AFP, Justice Bandial purportedly informed Imran that every step of the process had to be repeated because Imran's arrest had been illegal.
The Party chairman asked the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to take him home, but the Chief Justice said that he would "remain at peace at the Police Lines Guest House" instead.
The ruling to allow Imran to meet with up to ten persons, including his attorneys, friends, and family, was issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan (CJP). You may stay there, chat with other people, have a nap, and then appear before the Islamabad High Court tomorrow (Friday), the court ruled.
You must be logged in to post a comment.