Imran Khan Gets Extension in Pre-Arrest Bail for Terrorism Cases

A Pakistan anti-terrorism court has extended the pre-arrest bail of former prime minister Imran Khan in seven terrorism cases related to attacks on military installations in May 2022. The court adjourned the hearings till February 9 as arrangements in Adiala jail were not made to mark the attendance of 71-year-old Khan.

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A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has extended the pre-arrest bail of former prime minister Imran Khan until February 9 in seven terrorism cases related to attacks on military installations in May 2022.

Bail Hearing and Attendance Issues

ATC Lahore Judge Navid Iqbal heard the bail petitions of Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, in connection with the May 9 attacks on various locations, including the house of the Corps Commander Lahore, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, and the torching of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party office. Khan's counsel, advocate Salman Safdar, informed the court that he would present his arguments once Khan's attendance was marked from jail via a video link.

However, the court adjourned the hearings until February 9 because arrangements at Adiala jail were not in place to mark the attendance of the 71-year-old Khan.

Previous Bail Dismissal and Restoration

In August 2022, the ATC had dismissed Khan's pre-arrest bail due to his non-appearance, as he was imprisoned following his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case. Subsequently, a high court bench set aside the ATC's decision and restored the bail petitions.

The high court had directed the trial court to mark the petitioner's attendance through a video link from jail, considering its previous order regarding Khan's safety.

Khan's Recent Convictions

Khan, who has been in jail since August 2022, has recently been sentenced to various prison terms in different cases. He received ten years imprisonment in the cipher case, 14 years in the Toshakhana case, and seven years in the Iddat (his third unlawful marriage) case.

The extension of Imran Khan's pre-arrest bail in the terrorism cases highlights the ongoing legal challenges he faces. As the court proceedings continue, the outcome of these cases will have significant implications for Khan's political future and the broader political landscape in Pakistan.