ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has been granted interim bail for a period of two weeks in the Al-Qadir Trust case by the Islamabad High Court.
Imran Khan appeared before the court, which was presided over by a division bench led by Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb and Justice Thaman Rifat Imtiaz. The bail application of Imran Khan was heard during the proceedings.
Interruption in the Hearing due to Slogans
During the court session, a lawyer raised slogans in support of Imran Khan, causing a temporary interruption in the hearing. The court adjourned the proceedings, which resumed after Friday prayers.
Argument by Imran Khan’s Lawyer
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Khawaja Haris, argued that his client was arrested on May 9 from the Biometric Branch and criticized the sudden conversion of the Al-Qadir Trust inquiry into an investigation. He maintained that if there is substantial evidence, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should follow the appropriate procedures and convert the inquiry into an investigation. Haris also highlighted that NAB had not provided the necessary documents related to the case.
Jurisdiction Issue Raised by Advocate General
The Advocate General Islamabad contended that due to ongoing violent incidents, the army had been deployed under Article 245. Consequently, he suggested that the High Court may not have jurisdiction to hear the case under such circumstances. Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb inquired if martial law had been imposed, questioning the potential implications for writ petitions under Article 245.
Objection Raised by NAB Prosecutor
NAB Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi raised objections, stating that Imran Khan had failed to appear before NAB while his co-accused, including Zulfi Bukhari, Faisal Vawda, and Mian Muhammad Soomro, participated in the inquiry. Although a notice was issued to Shahzad Akbar, he also did not join the proceedings.
Interim Bail Granted and Notice Issued
Ultimately, the court granted interim bail to Imran Khan for two weeks and directed NAB to refrain from arresting him. Furthermore, the High Court issued a notice to NAB, requesting a response to the case.
Next Hearing and Decision on Bail
Justice Hasan Aurangzeb informed the NAB prosecution that the next hearing would involve considering the arguments presented and making a decision regarding the grant or rejection of bail.
Discovery of Inquiry Reports
Khawaja Haris revealed that an inquiry report had been discovered in the Al-Qadir Trust case, along with a similar report related to Bushra Bibi.
Adjournment of the Hearing
The court adjourned the hearing for a period of two weeks.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
