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Pakistan Court Clears Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s Wife, In 12 May 9 Riot Cases

August 21, 2024, 12:33 am

In a significant development, an anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Tuesday cleared Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, of all charges in 12 cases linked to the violent riots that erupted on May 9 last year. The riots followed the arrest of Khan in Islamabad on corruption charges, leading to widespread unrest across the country.

Court’s Decision at Adiala Jail

The hearing was presided over by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Malik Ejaz Asif at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Bushra Bibi is currently detained alongside her husband. During the proceedings, the police sought the physical remand of Bibi to further investigate her alleged involvement in the riots, which included an attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ).

However, after a detailed review of the police’s request and the arguments presented by both sides, the court rejected the plea for physical remand. The judge ultimately decided to discharge Bibi from all 12 cases. According to her lawyer, Salman Safdar, the accusations against her were based on statements that lacked legal substance. “The court thoroughly reviewed the arguments from both sides before delivering its decision,” Safdar said, addressing the media outside the jail.

Implications for Imran Khan

The court’s decision to clear Bushra Bibi is seen as a major relief for the former first couple, especially as Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year, faces more than 200 cases himself. Safdar suggested that this ruling could positively impact Khan’s own legal battles, as he was also named in the same cases alongside hundreds of his party workers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Khan, 71, has been convicted in several cases, leading to his ongoing detention at Adiala Jail. Despite securing bail or having convictions overturned in some instances, he remains behind bars. His wife, 49-year-old Bushra Bibi, had also been held in connection with these cases but has now been cleared of all charges.

Broader Context

The May 9 riots were a significant moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, marked by widespread violence and demonstrations. The events were triggered by Khan’s arrest, which led to clashes between his supporters and the authorities. The decision to discharge Bushra Bibi from these cases might influence the legal strategies and outcomes for Khan and other PTI members.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battles faced by the former prime minister and his wife, as they continue to navigate the complex and often tumultuous political environment in Pakistan.

Pakistan Government Plans To Ban Imran Khan’s PTI Party

July 15, 2024, 4:10 pm

Pakistan government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has announced its intention to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. PTI was headed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, citing alleged anti-state activities. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the decision, stating, “The government has decided that the federal government will move a case to ban the PTI.”

Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and a former cricketer, has been in custody for nearly a year, facing multiple court cases that he claims are politically motivated to prevent his return to power. His recent arrest by Lahore Police is connected to charges stemming from riots in May last year, with the National Accountability Bureau securing an eight-day remand in the Toshakhana case.

The decision to seek PTI’s ban comes shortly after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that PTI is eligible for reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies, solidifying its position as the largest party in the National Assembly with 109 seats.

Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister was marked by contentious relations with the military leadership, leading to ongoing clashes and legal challenges against him. Recently, an Islamabad court acquitted Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a case related to an alleged un-Islamic nikah, overturning a previous sentence of imprisonment and fines.

The move to ban PTI is expected to escalate political tensions in Pakistan, where the party has been a significant force in recent elections and legislative processes.

Imran Khan Regrets Trusting Former Pakistan Army Chief Gen Bajwa, Claims Report

May 31, 2024, 1:08 am

Imprisoned ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his sole regret during his tenure in office: placing trust in retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Khan accuses the former army chief of personally spreading “stories” about him to secure another term as the military head.

Khan, aged 71, who was removed from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion by the opposition, had accused Gen Bajwa of playing a significant role in opposing his government.

Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, who is presently incarcerated at Adiala Jail due to various cases, criticized Pakistan’s political and military leaders, particularly focusing on his former ally-turned-opponent Gen Bajwa, as reported by Dawn newspaper. Khan’s remarks were made during an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan for Zeteo, which was published on Wednesday. The interview was conducted via written questions sent by Mehdi, with no opportunity for follow-up questions, the paper noted.

“I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated by General Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible. He meticulously planned and executed this scheme, presenting himself as a deceitful figure, creating lies and false narratives to cause national and international chaos — all to secure his extension,” Khan said in response to a question on who he blames for his imprisonment.

Khan stated that during his tenure as prime minister, he had granted Gen Bajwa a three-year extension in 2019, just three months before the army chief’s retirement. However, in a 2022 interview with Bol News, Khan admitted that he had erred in approving the extension.

“He (Bajwa) utterly failed to grasp the detrimental impact of his actions on democracy and Pakistan,” Khan said in his interview.

When questioned about his previous belief regarding the involvement of the administration of US President Joe Biden in orchestrating a coup to oust him from office, Khan attributed the blame solely to former Chief of Army Staff Bajwa.

“General Bajwa single-handedly spread stories about me to countries like the US, painting me as anti-American or uninterested in good relations with them,” he said.

“His insatiable thirst for power rendered him unpredictable,” Imran said, adding that “[Gen Bajwa’s] personal greed turned him into a bull in a china shop.”

The ex-cricketer-turned-politician emphasized his ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law in Pakistan, stating that if justice were administered impartially, there would be no necessity for individuals like him in the country’s political arena.

“General Bajwa’s poison may have had a short-term effect, but it will not last,” Khan said.

“Most countries view our army as a stabilising force in a volatile political landscape. When the chief of this ‘one constant’ uses brute force and deceit, it becomes difficult for many countries to speak out.”

“I don’t mind if no one speaks about my treatment, but the world should raise its voice for democracy and the 250 million people of Pakistan, whose mandate has been stolen in broad daylight.”

Since the general elections on February 8, in which his party was unable to participate, Khan has reiterated his readiness for dialogue, provided that the alleged election rigging resulting in the “stolen mandate” is rectified.

The ruling coalition comprising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party has urged Khan’s party to halt its street protests and participate in “meaningful” dialogue with the government.

When questioned about his recognition of the current government, Khan asserted that it “lacks legitimacy” and highlighted that the PML-N “barely won any seats in Parliament”.

Khan has remained in jail since August of last year following convictions in some of the nearly 200 cases filed against him since his removal from power in April 2022.

Imran Khan, Wife Barred from Criticizing State Institutions

April 26, 2024, 3:38 am

An accountability court in Islamabad has prohibited former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, from making statements against state institutions and officials, as per The Express Tribune.

Judge Basir Javed Rana instructed the PTI founder and his spouse to refrain from speaking against state institutions while in the courtroom, during the hearing of a petition requesting a fair trial. The court also directed the media to abstain from publishing politically provocative statements targeting state institutions and their officials.

As per The Express Tribune, the order stated that the PTI chief had made provocative political statements against senior officials of state institutions, including the army, the judiciary, and the army chief.

“Such statements disrupt judicial decorum and also obstruct judicial functions such as the dispensation of justice,” the order added.

The court order also directed the prosecution, the accused, and their defense counsels to abstain from making political or inflammatory statements that could disturb the decorum of the court.

Khan, who served as PM from 2018-2022, continues to be incarcerated in several cases, including a 14-year jail term for him and his wife for the unlawful sale of state gifts.

He was initially imprisoned following a three-year sentence in August 2023 by the Election Commission for failing to declare assets acquired from selling gifts valued at over PKR 140 million rupees (USD 501,000) while in possession of the state and received during his tenure as prime minister.

In January, Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were each sentenced to 14 years in prison following a separate investigation by the country’s leading anti-graft body for the same charges related to the illegal sale of state gifts.

Pakistan’s jailed ex-PM Imran Khan claims his wife Bushra Bibi given food mixed with toilet cleaner in jail

April 20, 2024, 9:16 am

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan told a court that his wife Bushra Bibi was fed food that contained “toilet cleaner,” and he blamed the dish’s toxins for her daily stomach aches and deteriorating health.

This information was disclosed at a hearing for a £190 million corruption case at the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan, a politician who was formerly a cricket player, is being tried on several convictions in Pakistan.

Imran Khan raised concerns about additional walls being erected in the courtroom, creating a closed environment. He mentioned that Dr. Asim Yousaf, the Chief Medical Officer of Shaukat Khanum Hospital, recommended conducting tests for Bushra Bibi at Shifa International Hospital. However, the jail authorities insisted on performing the tests at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital.

Following Imran Khan’s remarks about the added walls, the judge instructed authorities to remove the wooden planks during the proceedings. Additionally, the court ordered a medical examination for both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi by Dr. Yousaf.

In response to concerns raised by Bushra Bibi about her health, she had requested Islamabad High Court on April 15 to permit her medical checkup at a private hospital of her choice, suspecting possible poisoning through food provided by the jail authorities. She cited symptoms such as heartburn, throat pain, and mouth discomfort.

Currently, Bushra Bibi, aged 49, is detained at her residence in Banigala, designated as a sub-jail, following her conviction in a corruption case and an illegal marriage case involving Imran Khan.

Recently, Imran Khan accused Army chief General Asim Munir of direct responsibility for Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment.

Imran Khan: PTI Leaders in Contact with Establishment

April 7, 2024, 10:28 am

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that few of his party leaders were in contact with the establishment after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was put in pressure in the form of arrests and desertions after the violence on May 9, Dawn reported.

Khan was willing to hold talks with anyone for the sake of Pakistan.

Khan expressed to journalists at Adiala Jail after the Al-Qadir Trust case hearing that he’s open to discussions with anyone for the sake of Pakistan.

The PTI founder remarked that if he could engage in dialogue with Pakistan’s former army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, whom he later blamed for the downfall of the PTI government in 2022, then he’s open to talks with anyone, given the challenging circumstances the country is facing.

Imran stated that some leaders within the PTI “are still in contact with the establishment” for potential negotiations, as per a Dawn report. However, he refrained from providing additional specifics.

He remarked that the PTI’s mandate had been usurped and there were “efforts were being made to take over the party”. Imran Khan claimed that his wife, Bushra Bibi, was purportedly being singled out to exert pressure on him, and asserted that those accusing her aimed to “dismantle” the PTI.

The PTI founder emphasized that he had never engaged in a direct confrontation with the military, hinting at his relationship with Pakistan’s former chief of army staff, despite his government’s removal. Imran Khan accused the former Pakistan army chief of betraying him, noting that he could have revoked his appointment but chose restraint.

Around the period of his removal from office, Imran alleged that General Bajwa was implicated in a conspiracy supported by the US to oust him.

In discussions with reporters on Saturday, Imran mentioned that he conveyed a message to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, via former Pakistan President Arif Alvi, indicating his awareness of the purported ‘London Plan’, as reported by Dawn.

Imran claimed that on Aug 5 last year, police entered his bedroom with the intention of detaining him, according to the Dawn report. He asserted that during the incident, the police seized his passport and chequebook, and mentioned that Bushra Bibi had relocated her valuables to a safe place. Imran also alleged that intelligence agencies had pressured his staff to become ‘approver’ against him.

The PTI founder remarked that Pakistan was confronting a situation reminiscent of the 1970s. Referring to the current government, Khan stated, “the king is sitting behind and [interior minister] Mohsin Naqvi is at the forefront as his viceroy,” as reported by Dawn. He further claimed that Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif had no authority.

Meanwhile, the accountability court proceeded with recording the testimony of witnesses, with five prosecution witnesses having been cross-examined by the defense counsel on Saturday. The case will resume following the Eid holidays.

PTI Plans Protests for Jailed Imran Khan Post-Eid: Reports

April 1, 2024, 11:40 am

Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced on Sunday its plans to rally for the release of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, after the Eid holiday, as reported by Dunya News.

During a gathering in Peshawar, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared that the founder would be liberated from incarceration, asserting that all charges against him were politically motivated.

“PTI founder’s ideology will win,” Barrister Gohar said are quoted by Dunya News.

“The independence of the judiciary is necessary. There will be resistance on the streets after Eid,” Gohar added.

As per Dunya News, Barrister Gohar stated that the gang occupying the country had stripped the judiciary of its autonomy. He vowed to reclaim the mandate from these ‘thieves and dacoits’.

PTI organized a street demonstration on Sunday to express solidarity with judicial independence and advocate for the release of party founder Imran Khan, as per Geo News.

Earlier, six judges of the Islamabad High Court penned a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), urging it to convene a judicial conference regarding the allegations of interference by the country’s intelligence agencies in judicial affairs.

Gohar Ali Khan, after meeting with Imran Khan on March 29 in Adiala Jail, said, “The PTI is going to stage a rally for the freedom of the judiciary on the directives issued by the founder of the PTI.”

Pakistan: Islamabad Court Summons Imran Khan and Wife on April 4

March 25, 2024, 4:35 pm

A district and session court in Islamabad issued an order for the appearance of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, on April 4, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.

Details reveal that Session Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over the bail pleas and issued production orders for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. PTI lawyer Khalid Yousaf Choudhary represented the case in court, where the Adiala Jail superintendent was instructed to present Imran Khan on April 4.

According to ARY News, the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in two vandalism cases filed against him. Imran Khan had been booked in two cases at Loohi Bheer and Sahala police stations during the party’s long march in Islamabad. Judicial Magistrate Ayesha Kundi acquitted him in both cases.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has instructed the Adiala jail superintendent to organize virtual meetings between Imran Khan and his lawyers until the security concerns are addressed.

According to an ARY News report, IHC stated in its judgment that Imran Khan’s lawyer had mentioned that they were unable to meet their client due to security concerns.

Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, has been confronted with more than 100 cases since his removal from office. Presently, he is detained in Adiala Jail due to convictions in cases related to toshakhana, cypher, and an “unlawful” marriage.

According to The International News, a local court has issued a production order for Imran Khan and party leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The order directs the Adiala jail authorities to present them before the court before April 20.

While hearing a petition concerning the Parliament attack case, the district and sessions court issued the production order, requesting the presence of Khan and Qureshi in court proceedings.

As reported by The International News, Khan’s counsel, Naeem Panjotha, presented his arguments before Judicial Magistrate Mureed Abbas, who presided over the hearing. Panjotha informed the court that the superintendent of Adiala Jail does not comply with court orders. He urged the court to ensure that the jail officials follow the orders and present Khan before it.

He further stated that the jail authorities provided excuses, and the PTI founder was not even being presented for a hearing via video link, according to The International News. In response, the judicial magistrate acknowledged Khan’s detention in Adiala Jail and the challenges arising from the situation.

While acknowledging the option of video link attendance, the magistrate emphasized a preference for physical presence in the e-court. Imran Khan’s lawyer requested the court to instruct the authorities to bring Khan to the courtroom.

Panjotha added that while the internet functions in Adiala Jail, it mysteriously stops working only in the case of the PTI founder. “Adiala jail superintendent is afraid to bring PTI founder on video link,” the counsel said.

Previously, Panjotha had filed a petition requesting Khan’s appearance for a hearing concerning his acquittal in two vandalism cases during a long march. However, Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi rejected the petition citing security concerns.

EVMs Would Have Resolved Election Rigging in an Hour, says Imran Khan

March 17, 2024, 11:14 am

According to Dawn, incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan remarked that if electronic voting machines (EVM) had been present it would have swiftly resolved all election rigging concerns within an hour.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf expressed these views during a discussion with journalists at Adiala jail following updates on the Al-Qadir Trust case, which implicates his wife, Bushra Bibi, and associates.

“If there were an electronic voting machine today, the issue of rigging would have been solved in an hour, according to Imran Khan’s conversation with journalists,” PTI posted on the social media platform.

Imran Khan alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan, along with certain political parties and the ‘establishment’ “sabotaged the plan to bring in electronic voting.”

Speaking to the reporters, Khan sought “high treason proceedings” against the officials who purportedly stole the people’s mandate in the general elections.

While he supported the demonstration outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) office in the US, he distanced himself from the ‘anti-army’ slogans raised by the protesters.

Imran Khan claimed that his party bagged over 30 million votes, whereas the rest of the 17 political parties jointly secured the same number of votes. He added that the PTI took up the irregularities in polls with the IMF and that non-governmental organizations also pointed out flaws in the electoral process.

First, the PTI was denied its electoral symbol of bat under a conspiracy, and then the former ruling party was deprived of its share of reserved seats, the ex-PM said, adding that the theft of the mandate was akin to treason, which attracted Article 6 of the Constitution, as reported by Dawn.

He said the Peshawar High Court’s order denying reserved seats to PTI would be challenged in the Supreme Court, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan could not allocate PTI’s seats to other political parties.

The former PM also expressed apprehensions that he may be convicted in the Al-Qadir Trust case if the Islamabad High Court grants him bail in the cipher and Toshakhana cases.

Commenting on Pakistan’s economy, Imran Khan said that the incumbent government was not sustainable because of the ‘fragile economy’.

He also rejected the criticism that the PTI had left the country on the verge of default. According to Khan, the PML-N left a USD 20 billion deficit in 2018, and there was no other option available but to approach the IMF. Khan said the incumbent government had no mandate to carry out structural reforms. He advised the government to seek loans if it could repay the debt, Dawn reported.

Speaking about the meeting between his party’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PM Shehbaz Sharif, he said that Gandapur should not have had a photo session with the PM.

IHC accepts appeals of Imran, Bushra And Qureshi

February 27, 2024, 11:09 am

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has accepted former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s, his wife Bushra Bibi’s, and former Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s appeals against their convictions in the cipher and Toshakhana cases, Dawn reported.

The court has requested that the trial court proceedings’ record be submitted by March 7.
A special court sentenced Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi to 10 years in prison in the cipher case, while Imran Khan and his spouse received 14 years each in prison in the Toshakhana case.

According to Dawn, the appeals were heard by a division bench made up of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.
Barristers Syed Ali Zafar and Salman Safdar represented Imran Khan in the cipher case.

Barrister Safdar claimed that there were serious anomalies in the process used to convict the PTI leaders in the cipher case. According to Dawn, he argued that the Special Court (Official Secrets Act) bypassed the law and deprived Imran Khan and Mehmood Qureshi of legal defense options.

According to the appeal, Imran Khan’s arrest and remand hearing were conducted in a “most objectionable, clandestine, and secretive manner” on August 16, last year. The prosecution did not provide the full record, and the judge indicted the PTI leaders hurriedly.

Despite the illegalities, the appeal stated, an IHC bench scrapped the proceeding twice. Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, however, closed the trial without following complying with the mandatory procedural requirements, it claimed.
The appeal argued that the ex-PM and his legal counsel “extended all the cooperation” to the trial court and did not request a needless adjournment. However, the judge did not secure a fair trial, as “the proceedings were hurried through by the court in breakneck speed for reasons known only to the court itself”. It claimed that the trial was “concluded in less than 20 days”.

While one of the defense counsel failed to appear in court because he needed to rush to Lahore for dental surgery, the court-appointed state counsel for Imran Khan and Mehmood Qureshi despite considerable opposition from PTI leaders.
Both leaders requested the court to call their lead counsel for help during cross-examination, but the trial court declined to wait for him.
The appeal alleged that the cipher case trial was then moved to a “secret room” and completed within a very short span of time.

The IHC division bench also heard applications for seeking the suspension of their sentences while till the final adjudication of the main appeals against their conviction. The bench overruled the objections to the petitions raised by the registrar’s office.
Barrister Zafar claimed in the Toshakhana case that an accountability court convicted the former Prime Minister and his spouse without even allowing them to cross-examine prosecution witnesses.

While issuing notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in the cipher case and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Toshakhana case, the high court later deferred further proceedings on the appeals and applications till March 7.
Meanwhile, the IHC bench of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri issued a notice to the NAB on the plea of the PTI founder and his wife’s request for post-arrest bail in the 190 million pound corruption case.

Advocate Sardar Latif Khan Khosa, representing the petitioners, argued that the trial court’s decision to dismiss the petitioners’ bail applications was ‘erroneous’ and asked the IHC panel to accept the pleas.

PPP Leader Asif Zardari Accuses Imran Khan of Including Afghans in Voter Lists

December 12, 2023, 12:09 pm

Former President and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Asif Zardari made incendiary remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, alleging that Khan supported Afghans by purportedly including them in the voter lists. Zardari, during an interview on Aaj TV, accused Khan of facilitating Afghans’ voter registration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through fake lists to benefit PTI.

“He [Imran Khan] supports Afghans because he had made fake lists [of voters] and they [Afghans] had been declared as Pakistani citizens,” Zardari alleged, insinuating Khan’s involvement in manipulating voter lists.

Furthermore, Zardari disclosed that the Election Commission was addressing this issue, directing his party to engage with the electoral watchdog on this matter. Criticizing Khan’s alleged support for banned organizations like the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Zardari accused Khan of doing so for political advantage.

Zardari also pointed fingers at a former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), attributing the initiative of launching a cricketer in politics to them. He contended that Khan had backing from foreign lobbies and insinuated that Khan’s ex-wife continued to support him, actively promoting the PTI founder as a popular leader through bloggers.

Describing Khan as “illiterate,” Zardari claimed that PTI had approached him with an offer to share half of the PTI government’s remaining tenure after the submission of a no-confidence resolution in 2022, which he rejected as too late.

On the subject of the upcoming elections, Zardari hinted at a possible slight delay but asserted that the elections would undoubtedly take place. He emphasized that the Election Commission possessed the sole constitutional authority to determine the election date.

Regarding candidacy for the prime minister’s office, Zardari mentioned that both he and his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, could be candidates. He also included Khurshid Shah as a potential contender, affirming that the PPP aimed to secure a substantial number of seats in the National Assembly, intending to play a pivotal role in electing the prime minister.

Imran Khan’s Court Appearance Postponed Due to Security Risks

November 28, 2023, 1:00 pm

Adiala Jail authorities refrained from presenting former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at Islamabad’s Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) on Tuesday, citing potential “security risks,” Dawn reported.

Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were ordered to appear at the Federal Judicial Complex in the cipher case, which was presided over by Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain. According to the charge sheet of the federal investigation agency, this case revolves around an unreturned diplomatic document. According to PTI, the document allegedly contained a US threat to depose Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

On October 23, Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, both currently incarcerated, were indicted. According to Dawn, both have pleaded not guilty.

Earlier proceedings held at Adiala Jail, where four witnesses testified, were invalidated by an Islamabad High Court division bench. Consequently, the special court is set to commence a fresh trial requiring a new prosecution application for the jail trial, Dawn reported.

Authorities at Adiala Jail submitted a report stating that “serious security risks” prevented Imran Khan from speaking on Tuesday. The FJC hearing was presided over by Judge Zulqarnain. During the hearing, Barrister Salman Safdar represented Imran Khan, while Advocate Ali Bukhari represented Qureshi. Prosecutors from the Federal Investigation Agency, Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi, were also present.

The court reviewed a jail report highlighting life threats to Imran Khan obtained from intelligence and police agencies. The report cited “serious security risks” that Khan faced, as well as a request made by jail officials to Islamabad police for additional security.

Furthermore, an accountability court in Islamabad denied the National Accountability Bureau’s request to extend Imran Khan’s physical remand in a corruption case. According to a report in Dawn, the court placed Khan on judicial remand and ordered his release in two weeks.

Pakistan’s Former PM Set to Appear Before Special Court at Federal Judicial Complex

November 28, 2023, 11:56 am

Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being escorted to a special court at the Federal Judicial Complex by a well-organized team of armed officials and paramilitary forces, according to a Pakistan-based Dawn report. This was organized by the Islamabad police. Khan, who is currently being held in Adiala Jail, is scheduled to appear in court in connection with an Official Secrets Act case.

Under tight security, a substantial convoy comprising SUVs, police vehicles, and armored carriers will accompany Khan to the court, following approval from authorities, as per Dawn sources. The police have been tasked with securing the judicial complex and its surrounding areas within the red zone. Furthermore, Rangers, Frontier Corps troops, and their anti-riot units stand on standby for immediate deployment upon request.

Inside the complex, Rangers equipped with anti-riot gear will form the inner security ring, supported by Islamabad police, while Frontier Corps teams, also equipped with anti-riot gear, will constitute the middle security ring, as per Dawn sources. Road access leading to the complex will witness a strong police presence, including the Counter-Terrorism Department.

In a parallel development, an accountability court in Islamabad denied the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB’s) request to extend Khan’s physical remand in a corruption case. Judge Mohammad Bashir, at Adiala Jail, refused the prosecution’s plea, sending Khan into judicial remand for a fortnight. Khan’s attorney, Sardar Latif Khosa, criticized NAB’s actions, labeling the body as politically motivated and manipulated by the government for vested interests, Dawn reported.

Suspect involved in attack on military’s General Headquarters held by Pakistani police

May 14, 2023, 10:09 am

During protests that were started after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the police detained a person connected to the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistani military in Rawalpindi, according to ARY News.

According to the sources cited by ARY News, the suspect, who has been identified as Idrees, has been detained by the police for his alleged involvement in the attack on the military’s General Headquarters (GHQ). The sources added that the detained suspect, who was recognised in social media recordings, was a member of the local government. On the other side, Javed Akram, a former PTI member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA) from Toba Tek Singh, has also been taken into custody by the police.

Family members of the PTI leader claimed that Akram’s son and daughter-in-law were also arrested from the premises of the Lahore High Court (LHC). The arrested people were involved in the arson of the Corps Commander House, according to a statement by the police. The situation changed as a result of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s (PM) order for the police to detain all of the offenders and attackers accountable for the destruction and arson at the Jinnah House and other military and civilian sites within 72 hours.

“All the culprits, planners, instigators, and attackers involved in the vandalism should be arrested in the next 72 hours,” stated Prime Minister Sharif, adding that “This is a critical task that requires swift action to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.” Earlier on Saturday, the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab formed a Joint Interrogation Team (JIT) to investigate the arson and vandalism at Corps Commander Residence, aka Jinnah House, reported ARY News.

During the review meeting, the Inspector General (IG) Punjab provided an update on the state of peace and security, which was presided over by the caretaker CM of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi. As a result, the caretaker CM formed a JIT to look into the vandalism, arson, and encirclement at Jinnah House and other government-owned buildings including the General Headquarters (GHQ).

The caretaker CM gave the JIT instructions to look into the incidents and write a complete report that would be given to the government. Geo-fencing will be put into place in all places that have seen vandalism and arson in the meantime. . Meanwhile, the individuals involved in violent activities such as siege, looting, and destruction in the Jinnah House and at GHQ were identified with the help of CCTV footage, ARY News reported.

The caretaker CM gave orders to step up efforts to prosecute all criminals. He claimed that the Prosecution Department had been instructed to ensure that all cases were concluded fast and that all criminal prosecutions will take place in ATCs. According to Mohsin Naqvi, neither a criminal nor an innocent person will be spared. According to ARY News, the law will not permit anyone who harm the military’s facilities and Jinnah House to elude justice and every perpetrator would be hauled before a court with facts and proof.

The Punjabi chief minister further said that there would be no tolerance for criminal behaviour and that force would be used to thwart the sinister schemes of criminal organisations. Notably, a sizable PTI supporters held massive violent protests across Pakistan following the arrest of the party’s chief Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court. Hours after his arrest, the mob barged into the Residence of Commander Corps Residence and also into GHQ.