Daily Times

An anti-terrorism court has approved a five-day physical remand of former PTI chairman Imran Khan, in connection with a case registered at Rawalpindi’s New Town police station.

The court session took place at Adiala Jail, with Judge Amjad Ali Shah presiding.

The prosecution requested a 15-day remand for Imran Khan, but the court approved a five-day period.

Under this order, Investigation Officer Rashid Kayani will conduct the investigation at Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently being held.

As the remand was granted, Imran Khan’s cell within the prison was formally designated as a police station for the duration of the custody period. He will remain under New Town police jurisdiction while in custody.

According to court orders, Imran Khan is to be presented before the court on 26 November, where further steps in the investigation will be determined based on any new evidence collected.

Imran Khan, who faces multiple cases, continues to be held on various charges, including allegations of terrorism-related activities. The current remand is part of ongoing legal actions against him, with police custody aiding investigators in gathering further evidence related to the case.

Yesterday, Imran Khan was arrested in another terrorism case registered at New Town Police Station in Rawalpindi. This follows his recent bail approval in the Toshakhana case by the Islamabad High Court.

After securing bail in the Toshakhana case, Imran Khan was apprehended in relation to charges filed against him at New Town Police Station, which include arson, stone-throwing, resisting the police, and damaging government property. The case also includes terrorism-related charges.

A team led by the SSP Investigation is currently interrogating Imran Khan. The spokesperson for Rawalpindi Police has stated that Imran Khan will be presented in court today for a physical remand hearing.

Separately, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed former PTI chairman Imran Khan to ensure his presence at the upcoming hearing in his contempt case via video link on December 17.

The commission, led by a four-member bench with the Sindh member at the helm, convened to discuss the case.

During the hearing, the Sindh member confirmed that authorities had provided a written assurance that Imran Khan’s attendance would be arranged via video link. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa member also noted that Khan’s bail had been granted in another case.

Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, raised concerns about the possibility of the former premier’s arrest in another case. Chaudhry highlighted that the presence of the accused was essential to record evidence and witness testimonies.

The Election Commission confirmed that the next hearing would proceed with the recording of evidence and witness statements on December 17, with Khan’s virtual appearance being a key requirement for the session.

This development follows ongoing legal proceedings against Imran Khan, who faces multiple charges, including contempt of the Election Commission, as part of the broader legal challenges surrounding his tenure and actions as PTI’s leader.

Last month, ECP sought a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding internet service issues in Adaila jail after incarcerated former premier Imran Khan failed to appear via video link for his contempt of election commission case hearing.

During the hearing on Tuesday, PTI’s legal team, including Shoaib Shaheen and Faisal Chaudhry, along with jail authorities, were present.

The electoral watchdog’s counsel questioned prison officials about the non-availability of video link, to which they replied that the internet service in the jail had been disrupted.

Shoaib Shaheen, representing Imran, requested that the ECP allow a meeting between the PTI chief and his legal team, but the commission responded that it was beyond their mandate.

Faisal Chaudhry expressed concerns for Imran’s wellbeing, suggesting the ECP visit the jail, as the internet issue might not be resolved soon.

The ECP assured them that the matter would be addressed and later adjourned the hearing until November 5, while ordering the PTA to submit a report on the internet situation in the jail.