ISLAMABAD: A local court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the May 9 cases and several other matters, while directing the former prime minister to ensure his appearance at the next hearing.
Read More: ATC extends interim bail of Fawad Chaudhry in five cases
Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the pre-arrest bail petitions but adjourned proceedings after arguments could not be presented due to Imran Khan’s unavailability. The court extended interim relief and set January 27 as the next hearing date.
The judge directed that Imran Khan must appear at the next hearing either in person or via video link. His legal counsel, Advocate Shamsa Kayani, represented both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi during the proceedings.
Apart from the May 9-related cases, Imran Khan faces several other charges, including attempt to murder and submission of alleged fake receipts. Bushra Bibi is also named in a separate case related to the alleged submission of false receipts connected to Toshakhana gifts.
In a separate hearing, Additional District and Sessions Judge Chaudhry Amir Zia extended Bushra Bibi’s interim bail in another pre-arrest bail application. The case, registered at Ramna police station, involves alleged violations of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act and other legal provisions.
Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry was once again barred from meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to obtain his signature on power of attorney documents required to file an appeal in the Toshakhana-II case.
The PTI strongly criticised the denial, alleging that prison authorities were deliberately obstructing the party founder’s constitutional right to appeal. The party said repeated delays, closure of the legal desk, and denial of access to counsel amounted to an attempt to block due legal process.
Read More: PTI stages brief sit-in as Aleema, others leave without meeting Imran
PTI further maintained that prison rules guarantee prisoners the right to meet lawyers and sign legal documents, calling for immediate and unhindered access to legal counsel.