Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan has been granted bail till September 1 by an Islamabad anti-terrorism court over a threatening speech he made early August.
Imran Khan is accused of inciting public revolt against the judiciary, the armed forces and police in a speech he made August 20. He was booked in the Margalla police station under Section 7 of the anti-terrorism laws. He made remarks against Additional Sessions Judge, Islamabad, Zeba Chaudhry.
He was scheduled to appear at 10am. Security has cordoned off the judicial complex and no one aside from the legal team and media are being allowed in.
According to Aaj News Bureau Chief Tariq Chaudhry, there are two important aspects to this case. Imran Khan had to appear today in court as his interim bail for three days expired after he was booked. He was charged with contempt of court for making remarks against Additional Sessions Judge, Islamabad, Zeba Chaudhry and threatening the IG and DIG of Islamabad at an F9 Park jalsa.
The Islamabad High Court had given him a three-day interim bail. His lawyer Babar Awan then filed for the bail to be extended. This is the matter that will be deliberated on today. His lawyers will present arguments.
Scenes at the judicial complex
There was chaos when Imran Khan arrived as his squad accompanied him. He briefly spoke to Shibli Faraz and then went in. He alighted from his vehicle and went to the ATC’s main gate. No one else was allowed to enter. Zulfi Bukhari and other PTI leaders were not allowed to enter as their names were not on the list. Pervez Khattak was allowed as his name was on the list.
PTI supporters have gathered at the Kashmir Highway connection where they are shouting slogans. But the police have blocked the way to the judicial complex.
Imran’s NA-108 nomination papers accepted
Meanwhile, on Wednesday an Election Tribunal accepted Imran Khan’s nomination papers for NA-108 Faisalabad. On August 17, a Returning Officer for the by-poll had rejected the nomination papers. But then, the Lahore High Court accepted the nomination papers by nullifying the verdict of the returning officer.
Thus, the PTI leader plans to contest the elections on nine constituencies of the National Assembly.
He announced he would stand from Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kurram, Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib, and Karachi’s Malir, Korangi and Karachi South District.
Toshakhana caseIn another development, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday declared a reference by the Pakistan Democratic Movement for the disqualification of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case ineffective for hearing.
The PDM wanted Imran Khan disqualified.
This is a developing story
