Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is set to appear before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) today for a hearing regarding a petition for his bail in a £190 million settlement case. The bail granted to Khan in the corruption case is set to expire today. Khan has left his residence in Lahore and traveled to Islamabad for the court appearance.
Grant of Interim Bail and Previous Arrest:
On May 12, the Islamabad High Court had granted interim bail to Imran Khan in the corruption case until May 31. However, on May 9, Khan was arrested by paramilitary forces from the premises of the IHC, leading to widespread protests throughout the country. Following three days of incarceration, the Supreme Court declared his arrest from the high court premises as “illegal,” resulting in his release.
Special Passes Issued for Smooth Proceedings:
To ensure the smooth proceedings of the hearing, the court has issued special passes to lawyers, journalists, and government officials, aiming to minimize any potential disruptions caused by a large crowd. The special passes have been authorized for 15 lawyers representing Khan, 10 employees from the advocate general and attorney general’s office, and 30 members of the IHC Journalist Association. The court has exempted IHC employees and court staff from the requirement of passes.
Request for Additional Passes and NAB Inquiry:
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which is conducting an inquiry into the case, has requested passes for 14 members of its legal team, as they were not provided with passes during the last hearing. The case involves Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other PTI leaders, who are facing an inquiry related to a settlement between the PTI government and a property tycoon. The settlement allegedly caused a loss of £190 million to the national exchequer. According to the charges, Khan and the other accused are alleged to have adjusted Rs50 billion (equivalent to £190 million at the time) sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency to the government. They are also accused of receiving undue benefits, including over 458 kanals of land at Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, to establish Al-Qadir University.
Read More: Rana Sanaullah asserts Imran Khan will face military court trial for May 9 events
Imran Khan’s appearance before the Islamabad High Court today marks an important development in the £190 million settlement case. As the hearing takes place, the court has taken measures to ensure a smooth process by issuing special passes to authorized individuals. The case itself involves allegations of corruption, with Khan and other PTI leaders facing an inquiry into a settlement that allegedly caused a significant loss to the national exchequer. The outcome of the bail hearing will have significant implications for Imran Khan and the ongoing legal proceedings.
