Imran Khan requests CJ permission to personally appear in Supreme Court

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan submitted a request on Wednesday to the Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to appear in the Supreme Court (SC) on May 30, in his personal capacity.

The request was conveyed through jail authorities and detailed the former Prime Minister’s (PM) desire to appear before the supreme court physically rather than via video link.

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The development comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings related to the £190 million scam reference being heard in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

During recent hearings, the cross-examination of two additional witnesses from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was completed. With this, a total of 21 witnesses have undergone cross-examination in the case, out of the 30 whose statements have been recorded so far.

The accountability court presiding over the case adjourned the proceedings until May 31. However, during the recent hearing, arguments were presented by legal representatives regarding Khan’s request for a personal appearance and a plea by Bushra Bibi to maintain normal trial proceedings.

The defense also sought a postponement of proceedings until after Eid.

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Opposing the adjournment, the NAB prosecution team argued against the dual approach of relying on the court while simultaneously seeking delays. The court has reserved its decision on Khan’s petition and Bushra Bibi’s plea.