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ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Amid a high security alert in Islamabad, a lower court will start hearing the Toshakhana case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan today (Saturday).
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan had earlier traveled from his Zaman Park mansion in Lahore to Islamabad to appear before a court today in the Toshakhana case.
To maintain peace and order and prevent anything untoward from happening, as happened last month, the area was heavily guarded ahead of Imran Khan’s visit to the Islamabad Judicial Complex.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner Noorul Amin Mengal shifted the hearing as a “one-time dispensation” from the F-8 court complex to the G-11 court complex in response to PTI’s claim that Khan’s life is in danger and that he requires safety
When Khan visited the court last month, security procedures were breached because PTI members had pulled down all the barricades during their party leader’s hearings in the various courts. On that particular occasion, some of the staff vandalized the building and disrupted the orderly behavior of the ward.
Khan will appear before Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal in the case after he ordered the former prime minister’s non-bailable arrest warrants after he frequently skipped court dates, citing “security threats” from his lawyer.
When the Islamabad police went to Lahore on March 14 to arrest Khan, as directed by the court, they ran into opposition; as a result, more than 60 policemen from Islamabad and Punjab were injured, besides several PTI workers.
However, the judge had commented that his orders were in accordance with the law and the PTI chief should submit to the police. Khan’s legal team panicked and sought relief from the sessions court.
Despite Khan’s prolonged challenge to the arrest, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) today barred the police from arresting the ousted prime minister over the Toshakhana case.
Islamabad Police also warned commuters of possible roadblocks and delays due to traffic disruption due to tight security measures surrounding the G-11 court complex in a traffic advisory update today.
Islamabad Police asked people to use alternative routes in a tweet.
Islamabad’s police spokesman said on Friday night that the federal capital has been brought under Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings and the display of weapons.
According to the spokesman, it is now illegal for private companies, security personnel and individuals to carry weapons. Instead, they are asked to carry relevant identification, such as proof of ownership of the car, at all times.
According to the spokesman, the police encouraged the public to refrain from unnecessary travel in Sectors G-11/1 and G-10/1 due to the traffic plan, and also asked for their collaboration in carrying out controls.
Police officers also placed containers around the court to ensure security.
