On Friday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) deferred the hearing of former prime minister Imran Khan’s bail plea till 2:30pm in a case related to the Al Qadir Trust.
He stayed in the rest house of Police Line Headquarters. A bench, comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, is hearing the case.
However, proceedings were halted shortly after they began on account of Friday prayers.
Earlier, upon his arrival, the former PM was immediately taken for his biometrics and then to the courtroom.
Meanwhile, PTI has said that Imran would make a speech after his court appearance.
Meanwhile, the police imposed an emergency order banning gatherings as supporters of Imran are expected to march to the capital on Friday.
Police officers stand in a position to stop the supporters of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, as he appeared before the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan May 11, 2023. Photo: Reuters
PTI said thousands of “peaceful Pakistanis” from across the country will gather in Islamabad in solidarity with their leader.
Nearly 2,000 people have been arrested so far and at least eight killed after Khan’s supporters clashed with police, attacked military establishments and set other state buildings and assets ablaze, prompting the government to call in the army to help restore order.
On Thursday, the SC had declared his arrest invalid and directed him to appear before the IHC on Friday (today) at 11:00 am for bail related to the call-up notice by NAB.
At around 3:20 pm on Thursday, the bench directed Advocate General Jehangir Jadoon to produce Imran before it at 04:00 pm. In compliance with the apex court order, the Islamabad police produced Imran before the bench amid tight security a little after 5:45pm.
He was brought inside the top court via the judges’ gate. Imran walked into the courtroom No. 1 and sat in the front row.
The chief justice while addressing Imran Khan said: “Your arrest was invalid and the process needs to be reversed to the time you were putting your thumb impression [in the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9].”
Imran while explaining about his arrest, urged his supporters and the PTI workers to avoid violence and remain calm and peaceful. He also asked his supporters not to damage any property, whether it is public or private.
