ISLAMABAD – An anti-terrorism court in the federal capital on Mondayapproved extension in pre-arrest bail of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a caserelated hurling threats at a female additional sessions judge and officersof the Islamabad police in a speech.
Judge Raja Jawwad Abbas heard the case and extended bail till September 20after Imran Khan appeared before the court, following its orders issuedearlier in the day.
During the hearing, Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi told the court that theformer prime minister was reluctant to join the investigation in the case.He said that the PTI Chairman did not appear before a joint investigationteam (JIT) despite sending three notices.
However, Khan’s lawyer Babar Awan said that his client joined the probe asthe investigation officer had his statement in the record. He said thatpolice had misguided the court.
To which, the court summoned the investigation officer, who told that thePTI leader did not appear before the JIT.
When the judge inquired Khan if it is difficult to record his statement tothe JIT? Babar Awan said that there are threats his client’s life.
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After hearing the arguments, the court adjourned the hearing till September20.
On September 1, the PTI chief was granted first extension in pre-arrestbail until September 12 against surety bonds worth Rs100,000.
The political temperature soared lately as the country’s populist leaderwas booked under anti-terrorism laws after making a provocative speech inwhich he singled out senior police officials and a female judge whoapproved the remand of Shahbaz Gill.
PTI chief, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote earlier his year, couldbe disqualified for life from politics if convicted in a terrorism case.The charge under 7ATA also carries 14 years in prison or the equivalent ofa life sentence.
