IHC declares Imran Khan's arrest legal in Al-Qadir Trust case

 IHC Chief Justice took notice of Imran Khan's arrest from court's premises by the Rangers  

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday termed the arrested of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan legal in the Al-Qadir Trust case. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq who had raised questions over the Rangers' move to arrest Khan from the court's premises earlier in the day announced the reserved verdict.

The IHC also issued notices to the Islamabad inspector general of police and the interior secretary over contempt of court. He also instructed the registrar to conduct an inquiry and submit a report by May 16. 

The chief justice ordered the high court registrar to get a first information report (FIR) registered over the circumstances of the arrest, which included manhandling the lawyers present nearby as well as damage to the court building.

PTI chairman Imran Khan  who has been embroiled in dozens of cases pending since he was ousted last year — was arrested inside the premises of the high court when he appeared before the court in two cases.

PTI supporters gathered and blocked roads in cities across the country, including the capital Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi, resulting in injuries to several and damage to public property.

He could be barred from holding public office if convicted, which would exclude him from elections scheduled for later this year.

Following Khan’s arrest in the afternoon, IHC CJ Farooq took notice of the matter earlier today, and summoned the Islamabad IGP and the interior secretary within “15 minutes”. He also directed the additional attorney general to appear before the court in 15 minutes and instructed him to immediately find out who was behind the arrest.

“If an inquiry has to be conducted, action will also be taken against the prime minister and ministers,” the chief justice said.Justice Farooq further asked: “Tell us in which case the arrest was made?”Justice Farooq further asked: “Tell us in which case the arrest was made?”

Subsequently, the court summoned DG NAB Rawalpindi and the anti-graft body's prosecutor general to appear in person in 30 minutes.

When the court resumed the hearing after the break, NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi appeared before the court and told the court that the anti-corruption watchdog had asked the Ministry of Interior to ensure compliance with the bureau’s arrest warrant issued for Khan on May 1.

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