Imran Khan Set to Make Landmark Appearance Before Supreme Court After Major Legal Victory
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been detained for nearly nine months in various cases, is scheduled to make a virtual appearance before the Supreme Court today. This appearance comes following significant legal developments, including relief granted to him in separate cases by two courts in Islamabad, notably the Al-Qadir Trust matter.
Furthermore, Judicial Magistrate Suhaib Bilal Ranjha acquitted Mr. Khan in a case related to the Azadi March of 2022, filed against him and other party leaders for violating Section 144.
This marks Imran Khan's first appearance before the apex court since his arrest in August last year and subsequent conviction in the Toshakhana case, despite reservations expressed by the Law Minister regarding the Supreme Court's order in this regard.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan's party has raised concerns about a ban on visitors at Adiala jail, alleging that this move aims to prevent him from participating in the Supreme Court proceedings as ordered by a five-member bench.
In a significant development on Wednesday, a division bench of the Islamabad High Court, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, granted bail to the former Prime Minister in the £190 million case, citing "reasonable grounds" and emphasizing the need for further inquiry into the allegations of gratification against him.
While allowing bail against a surety bond of Rs1 million, the court questioned the transparency of the transaction involving the transfer of funds repatriated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK into the Supreme Court's account for Bahria Town's liability payment. The court urged a comprehensive examination of evidence by the trial court to ascertain the facts, stating its limitations in conducting a deeper examination during a bail petition hearing.
The court clarified that the transmitted amount from the UK to Pakistan was approximately £171.15 million after deduction, highlighting discrepancies in the legal framework agreement between Malik Riaz's family and the NCA. It noted that the funds should have been remitted to the government's account as per provisions under the UN Charter for Prevention of Corruption.
In response to the ban on visitors at Adiala jail, PTI leaders alleged a deliberate attempt to obstruct Imran Khan's participation in the Supreme Court proceedings. They expressed concerns about Khan's well-being, citing delays in medical tests despite court orders and sudden changes in security personnel.
Additionally, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan highlighted postponements in hearings related to various cases, including the Al-Qadir Trust, cipher, and Toshakhana cases, along with the unexpected departure of the government's counsel in the Iddat case.
