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ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday extended the interim bail of former Prime Minister Imran Khan till September 20 in a terrorism case for allegedly threatening Additional Sessions Judge during a public rally.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan appeared before ATC Judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan who presided over the hearing.
The former premier was booked for terrorism under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act for making controversial remarks against Additional Sessional Judge Zeba Chaudhry and officials of the Islamabad Police during a rally in Islamabad on Aug 20.
The former premier’s legal counsel Babar Awan pleaded the court to take notice of police reluctance in conducting an inquiry within court premises.
Meanwhile, the IO informed the court that he received Khan’s statement through a lawyer, at which the PTI chair was asked to appear in person.
“The statement was sent to you, but you didn’t make it a part of the case,” judge Raja Jawad Abbas criticized the IO, saying that doing so shows his ill intentions.
The court remarked that the offence in question is a matter related to Imran Khan’s speech.
“Why do you want the accused to appear in person,” it asked.
At this, the assistant prosecutor maintained that they have to interrogate the accused.
“The accused must appear if he has been summoned by the IO,” he said.
The court then adjourned the hearing till 11am, saying that the rest of the arguments will be heard after Imran Khan appears in court.
