Islamabad court summons Imran Khan in person or via video link in six cases

ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad court in on Wednesday ordered authorities to produce jailed former prime minister Imran Khan either in person or via video link in six cases against him, and summoned the complete record of the cases for February 24.

The order came during proceedings at the Islamabad District and Sessions Court, where Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka heard arguments in six cases against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, including one related to an alleged attempt to murder former minister Shahnawaz Ranjha.

Barrister Salman Safdar and lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry appeared on behalf of Khan, while his three sisters were also present in the courtroom.

Safdar presented arguments on six bail applications, telling the court that in previous appearances he had secured relief for his client.

He said both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, had previously appeared before the same court, adding that a Toshakhana-related case was also pending there.

He said the cases had been registered in 2023 and argued that the prosecution had shown little interest in pursuing them.

Safdar said no application had been filed by the government in relation to interim bail and that investigating officers were not present in court.

“If the accused are not being produced here for any reason, Adiala Jail is also available,” Safdar said, referring to the prison where Khan is being held.

He said that if Khan and Bushra Bibi were not produced, the jail superintendent should appear before the court.

Safdar also referred to reports about Khan’s health, saying stress had affected vision in one of his eyes, and urged the court to issue an appropriate order.

Judge Majoka asked the defence to clarify in which cases bail had previously been rejected by his court, noting that four options had been proposed by the defence. The prosecution sought more time to prepare.

The court ordered that the full record of all six cases be presented on Feb. 24 and directed authorities to ensure Khan’s appearance at the next hearing, either in person or through a video link. It also instructed all investigating officers to appear in court with relevant records.

The hearing was adjourned until February 24.

Khan faces multiple cases, including those linked to the May 9 protests, attempted murder and alleged fake receipts.

A separate case against Bushra Bibi relates to alleged forged receipts in the Toshakhana matter.