Imran’s non-bail warrants issued over judge threat
On Monday, a court in Islamabad issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan, the PTI chairman. The case is related to his threatening comments directed towards Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry.
Case Registered:
Margalla police station in the federal capital registered a case against the former PM on August 20, 2022. He made threatening remarks towards Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry and police high-ups during a rally in F9 Park, accusing them of biased attitudes towards his party.
During a rally, Imran accused Judge Zeba of knowing about the alleged torture of imprisoned party leader Shahbaz Gill but not releasing him on bail. Islamabad Saddar Magistrate Ali Javed booked the former premier in a terrorism case for threatening the additional sessions judge, resulting in legal action against him.
Judge Rana Mujahid Rahim, who presided over today’s hearing, instructed the police to arrest the ousted premier and bring him before the court by March 29.
The judge added that the court will hear arguments on a petition seeking Imran’s dismissal from the case during the next hearing.
Non Bailable case:
During the proceedings earlier today, the judge had warned Imran of issuing arrest warrants as the court rejected his request for exemption from appearance over security concerns.
The PTI chief was summoned by the court today to hand over the case copies to him. Presiding over the hearing, Justice Rana rejected an application filed by Imran’s lawyer seeking an exemption from appearance citing security concerns.
In case of Imran’s failure to appear before the court during working hours today, the judge announced the issuance of a non-bailable arrest warrant against him.
The court went into recess after this statement.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had withdrawn its show-cause notice in October, satisfied by Imran’s attempt to apologize to the judge. However, in December, the Islamabad Civil and Sessions Senior Judge Rana Mujahid Rahim issued a notice to the PTI chief after the police submitted their charge sheet in the case to the court.
It may be noted that the court has previously overruled the prosecution’s requests for issuing arrest warrants to Imran and granted him leave on medical grounds.
Published on Logical Baat, March 13,2023.