The Supreme Court of Pakistan has returned an application submitted by PTI Chairman Imran Khan, raising objections concerning his potential arrest in other ongoing cases. This development comes after the petitioner directly approached the Supreme Court, despite having alternative avenues to challenge a trial court’s decision. According to the Supreme Court Registrar’s Office, such a direct petition is not admissible in the highest court of the country.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, had filed a constitutional petition to contest the trial court’s decision to dismiss the pre-arrest bail application. The legal dispute centers around three cases in which Imran Khan had sought bail: two registered at the Khanna police station and a third at the Bhara Kahu police station.
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad, along with the district and sessions court, had recently rejected the PTI Chairman’s bail pleas in these cases. ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain delivered a verdict on the matters following a reserved decision. The basis for the rejection was Imran Khan’s failure to appear before the courts.
Earlier this month, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore accepted an application from Imran Khan requesting a one-day exemption from appearance. Additionally, the court extended his interim bail until August 11 in relation to five cases concerning vandalism that occurred on May 9.
The application, submitted by Imran Khan’s legal counsel, pertained to the incidents of vandalism and arson at the Lahore Corps Commander House. The lawyer argued that the PTI Chief had already been apprehended, indicating a willingness to cooperate with the legal proceedings.
Salman Safdar, the lawyer representing Imran Khan, expressed optimism regarding his client’s situation. He anticipated that his client’s sentence could potentially be suspended within the upcoming week. However, this outcome hinges on the legal developments that will unfold over the course of the proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s decision to return the application with objections underscores the importance of following established legal procedures. It is a reminder that there are specific channels through which legal matters are addressed, and direct appeals to the highest court may not always be the appropriate approach.
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As the legal proceedings continue, Imran Khan’s legal team and the concerned authorities will play critical roles in determining the outcome of the cases in question. The development of events remains subject to the evolving legal landscape, and the implications of this case are likely to resonate within the political and legal spheres.
