The jail authorities have failed to present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan via video link during a bail hearing at a district court in Islamabad.

The hearing was presided over by Islamabad Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.

Lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudry appeared on behalf of Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi and informed the court that Khan was expected to be presented as per judicial orders.

Judge Majoka remarked that he had also made efforts to ensure Khan’s appearance and asked the court staff whether any letter had been sent by jail officials.

The staff confirmed that a letter had been received.

Judge Majoka inquired about the video link status, to which the court staff replied that they were checking with jail authorities. The judge told the lawyer to wait while the issue was looked into. The hearing was then temporarily adjourned.

However, Khan was still not presented before the court. Jail officials cited internet issues as the reason for the failure to connect him via video link.

Meanwhile, another petition was filed on behalf of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, submitted by their lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry.

The petition requested the court to decide the matter on merit, noting that the bail pleas were originally filed on August 23, 2023, prior to their arrests, and that both had been appearing in court.

Moreover, the petition further stated that the court had repeatedly ordered Imran Khan’s appearance, but these directives were not followed.

Even orders for his appearance via video link were ignored as the petition accused jail authorities and police of non-compliance and asserted that there was no option left but for the court to decide the case on merit.

It emphasised that justice demanded a decision based on the merits of the case.

Separately, a bail hearing in another case against Bushra Bibi, related to the November 26 protest, was held by Additional Sessions Judge Amir Zia.

Her lawyers argued that the investigating officer had not included her in the investigation. They also submitted a request seeking exemption from personal appearance.

Judge Zia stated he would issue a decision on that request, and the hearing was adjourned.

Read more

Maneka’s appeal against Khan, Bibi’s acquittal in Iddat case fixed for hearing

Former first lady Bushra Bibi’s three interim bail requests rejected

Khan criticises delay in £190 million case verdict as ‘pressure tactic’