The former prime minister appeared before an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad, which adjourned the case until September 20.
Islamabad, Pakistan – A court in Pakistan has extended bail before arresting former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a “terrorist” case to September 20.
Khan on Monday appeared before an anti-terrorism court in the capital, Islamabad, which adjourned the case to September 20 after state prosecutors asked for more time to prepare their arguments.
Khan, the head of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was charged with “terrorism” for remarks made at a public rally on August 20 against police officials and a female judge ordered the arrest of one of his top aides, Shahbaz Gill.
In his speech, Khan allegedly threatened “action” using legal action against Islamabad’s top police officials and Judge Zeba Chaudhry, who approved the two-day detention. by Gill.
Gill was arrested on August 9 and charged with sedation after he was accused of inciting a mutiny among Pakistan’s powerful military during a television programme. Khan’s PTI alleges Gill was tortured while in custody.
In his speech, the well-known politician denied that he threatened officials, saying his words were taken out of context.
The same speech also led to Khan being accused contempt for the court and illegal assembly, with contempt charges set to be framed on September 22.
In brief remarks before entering the courtroom on Monday, Khan said he had become “very dangerous” to the government.
During Monday’s hearing, state prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi told the court that Khan had refused to appear before the investigative team despite being given three notices.
In response, Babar Awan, Khan’s attorney, said his client’s testimony had been provided to the coroner.
During the hearing, which lasted less than an hour, the court directed the two sides to determine when and where Khan should become part of the investigation.
Awan, who had previously raised concerns about Khan’s safety during the hearing, told reporters outside the court that the charges against Khan were a government plot to “eliminate Imran.” . “It will fail,” he said.
Khan’s government was removed through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April. Since then, he has held public rallies around the country demanding new elections, which would otherwise take place by the end of next year.
In his speeches, the 69-year-old politician criticized his political opponents and the so-called “neutral faction” – a term commonly used for Pakistan’s powerful military.
Recently, Khan became embroiled in another controversy when he accused the government of trying to appoint a “favorite” as the next army chief.
In a scathing statement, the army said it was “appalled” at the comments, calling them “defamatory and unwelcome”.
Pakistan’s military establishment has ruled the country for more than half of its 75-year history as an independent nation.
