Imran Khan Granted Bail in Three Cases by Lahore ATC
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been granted bail in three cases related to vandalism, attack on police, and Zille Shah murder, by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore, providing yet another relief for the former prime minister.
These cases were registered against the PTI chief at the Race Course police station under anti-terror, aiding and abetting provisions. At the previous hearing on March 25, the ATC had granted Khan bail in the three cases till April 4, in return for surety bonds of Rs100,000 in each case, while directing the former PM to be a part of the investigation and not be absent on any hearing date.
However, instead of appearing in today's hearing, the PTI chief had initially filed a plea for exemption, citing security concerns. The court directed Khan to appear by 11am, or else it would make a decision on his interim bail plea as per the law. "Those who appear before the court will be given relief," the judge remarked. He said that the PTI chief hadn't even submitted the surety bonds against his bail granted on the previous hearing.
After the court's order, security at the ATC was increased, with jammer vehicles available at the site. Meanwhile, Khan's lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar also filed a plea for security arrangements at the court for the PTI chief's appearance. The plea submitted in an admin judge's court requested foolproof security to Khan as the premises of the court were unsafe.
Following the court's order, Khan appeared before the court in person amid strict security. This was a significant move on Khan's part as he is facing over 140 cases under terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and blasphemy registered against him during the last 11 months by the PMLN-led coalition government.
On March 25, the former prime minister wrote in his petition seeking interim bail that he wants to be involved in the investigation, but there is a fear of arrest by the police. The ATC had granted Khan bail for surety bonds of Rs100,000 in each case, directing him to be a part of the investigation and not be absent on any hearing date.
This decision by the ATC to grant bail to Imran Khan has been welcomed by his supporters, who see it as a vindication of his position. However, his detractors view it as yet another example of the PTI using its political power to protect its leader.
It is worth noting that Khan's legal battles have been ongoing for years, and many of the cases against him have been dismissed or withdrawn. Nevertheless, the fact that he is still facing such a large number of cases is indicative of the political climate in Pakistan, where the judiciary is often seen as being influenced by the government in power.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Imran Khan remains a popular figure in Pakistan, with his PTI party currently in power at the federal level. However, his opponents continue to criticize him for his handling of various issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and corruption.
In conclusion, the granting of bail to Imran Khan in these three cases is significant for him personally and politically. It remains to be seen how his legal battles will progress in the future, but for now, his supporters will see this decision as a positive development.
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