The Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan protective bail on Monday and ordered the police to not arrest him.

His was granted bail by a two-member bench comprising Justice Ali Baqir Najafi and Justice Shahbaz Rizvi in the case registered at Sangjani police station. He got bail till March 3.

“I need two weeks. If there is a shock then it will take three months to recover. X-rays are due on February 28. I have a lot of respect for the courts. The name of my party is also insaaf (justice),” Imran said in his statement to the court.

“I have been sitting in the car for an hour,” he added.

The PTI chief had arrived at the courtroom in a wheelchair alongside a group of supporters of his party. Senior PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Azam Swati are accompanying the former premier.

Video footage showed that supporters showered flower petals over his vehicle as it made its way inside the LHC premises with a large number of PTI supporters surrounding the cars and chanting slogans in support of him.

The court had given the former prime minister a “last chance” and set a 5pm deadline for him to appear in front of the court. He stayed in the car even after entering the court premises around 6pm. But, the court had later further extended the time for him. His supporters cleared the way for him as he slowly entered the courtroom.

It was “impossible” for Imran to step out of his car in such a situation, PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said as many supporters were present outside the court.

Imran had to attend two separate hearings.

The court disposed of Imran’s protective bail application in the ECP protest case after the former premier withdrew his petition. The case was heard against the difference in the signatures of Imran Khan. An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad cancelled his bail in this case last week.

Appearing before Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh’s court, Imran’s lawyer asked for the court’s permission to call Imran in front of the court.

The court remarked that Imran must remain seated. The signature on the petition and the power of attorney was different, the court remarked. On this, Imran apologised to the court and said he was not aware of the petition.

The former prime minister said that he asked Azhar Siddique to take back the petition when he got to know about this. The court advised Imran to be careful next time.

Imran’s lawyer said that they want to take back the protective bail application when the court asked about it.

The former prime minister was required to appear in person before the LHC for a bail hearing. He risked being arrested in the case registered against him over a protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan. An anti-terrorism court canceled his bail last week.

Imran was originally set to appear before the court last week but he refused to do so citing his health and fears of another attempt on his life.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh postponed the hearing for Monday and there were reports that the former prime minister will arrive at the court by 2pm today.

When the court met this afternoon, it asked where Imran Khan was.

He is on the way and will arrive in five minutes, Khan’s lawyer told the court.

Justice Sheikh decided to wait for a few more minutes but Imran Khan failed to show up.

The court then adjourned once again allowing Imran Khan to appear by 5pm.

Permission for the vehicle to be allowed in

The LHC Monday morning granted permission for the PTI chief’s vehicle to be allowed inside the court premise — a privilege accorded only to judges.

Khan’s lawyers filed a request with the court this morning, but it was first rejected. However, the court later granted the permission on the account of Imran Khan’s health.

The former prime minister will be using a wheelchair to move from his vehicle to the courtroom.

The party also approached the court for security clearance for him.

PTI leader Shibli Faraz submitted an application to Administrative Judge Abid Aziz Shaikh, requesting that in view of the threats to Imran’s life, security clearance should be issued before his appearance.

Why this bail hearing is critical

The bail hearing comes as a critical point in Imran Khan’s political career. He risks being arrested in the case registered against him and others over a protest outside the election commission of Pakistan following his disqualification.

Last week, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad canceled his bail because he failed to appear for a hearing.

Shortly, after the bail was canceled, Imran Khan’s legal team filed a petition before the Lahore High Court for protective bail. It would help him avoid an arrest.

But Justice Sheikh, who heard the plea, asked the PTI chief to appear in-person to confirm his signature on the petition – a legal requirement.

Khan did not appear and this delayed the bail hearing with the court postponing the proceedings several times.

Every time the court adjourned last week it allowed khan another chance for an appearance.

Asad Umar holds press conference

After Imran’s plea to take his vehicle inside the court was rejected Monday morning, Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Umar and Shibli Faraz addressed a press conference and raised questions about Khan’s security.

“If something happens to Imran Khan who will be responsible,” asked Asad “I sought permission due to Imran Khan’s security and health issues.”

He said Imran appeared before the court on every occasion before being attacked on November 3. “He didn’t appear because of the injuries as the doctor advised him to take complete rest.”

Asad claimed that the PTI’s protest outside the Election Commission in October last year was peaceful. “Not a single pot was broken.”

The PTI leader said that on October 21, cases were filed against workers under the terrorism act for the protest, and Imran Khan, who was not even present in the protest, was named in the cases.

“Not a single case against Imran Khan is legit,” he said.

Moreover, he believes an organized campaign is being launched against the judiciary. He hoped that contempt of court proceedings would be taken on such statements.