ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has secured bail for 20 days from an accountability court in a high-profile case involving the transfer of £190 million from Britain’s National Crime Agency’s (NCA) account. The bail was granted following relief from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the same case. Khan had approached the accountability court as directed by the IHC to seek bail in the settlement case.
Bail Granted in Separate Section 144 Violation Case
In a separate case related to the violation of Section 144, the IHC granted Imran Khan bail for 10 days. Khan, who was ousted through a vote of no-confidence last year, appeared before the high court under strict security to request interim bail in the corruption case.
Extension of Bail for Imran Khan’s Wife
Accompanied by Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi sought an extension of her bail in the €190 million settlement case at the federal judicial complex’s accountability court. The court granted her plea and allowed her to leave.
Accountability Court Hearing and Bail Grant
During the hearing at the accountability court, the judge inquired about the IHC’s ruling from Imran Khan’s counsel. The lawyer informed the court that the high court had granted Khan three days to seek bail from the accountability court. The lawyer confirmed the filing of the bail plea and stated they would return on June 17. After hearing the arguments, the judge granted bail to Imran Khan until June 19, with surety bonds worth Rs500,000.
IHC Hearing on £190 Million Settlement Case
In a hearing before a division bench of the IHC, Imran Khan’s bail plea in the £190 million settlement case was heard. The lawyers requested an extension of Khan’s bail until June 8, but the court extended it for three days and directed Khan to approach the relevant forum during this time. Failure to comply would render the interim bail ineffective starting June 9.
Bail Extension and Cooperation Order in Section 144 Violation Case
Justice Aurangzeb, presiding over another hearing, extended Imran Khan’s bail for 10 days in the Section 144 violation case. Khan was directed to cooperate with the investigations. The case was registered at the Margalla Police Station in Islamabad. Khan’s lawyer expressed security concerns and requested to present arguments in the court instead of the F-8 kachehri court. An additional attorney general informed the court that the local court would shift to a new judicial complex from June 6.
Bail Granted in Cases Related to May 9 Riots
In a separate hearing, the IHC approved Imran Khan’s request for bail in six cases linked to the May 9 riots in Islamabad. The court granted him a 10-day bail and instructed him to approach the relevant court.
No Arrest Warrant for Bushra Bibi
During the accountability court hearing, the NAB deputy prosecutor stated that Bushra Bibi should cooperate with the anti-graft body when summoned for investigations. The court was informed that no arrest warrant had been issued for her as her arrest was not deemed necessary. Consequently, her bail plea was disposed of, and she was allowed to leave.
Special Passes Issued for Smooth Proceedings
To ensure smooth proceedings, special passes have been issued to lawyers, journalists, and government officials attending the hearing. The IHC has authorized 15 lawyers from Imran Khan’s legal team, 10 employees from the advocate general and attorney general’s office, and 30 members of the IHC Journalist Association. Employees and court staff of the IHC have been exempted. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) requested passes for 14 members of its legal team, stating that they were not provided passes during the last hearing.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
