IHC discharges ‘contempt of court’ case against Imran Khan 

Islamabad: In a unanimous verdict, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has Monday decided to discharge the contempt of court case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan over his controversial remarks against a female judge.

A five-judge larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Athar Minallah--comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, and Justice Babar Sattar, resumed the hearing against former prime minister amid strict security measures. 

During the court proceeding, Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that Khan has manifested his 'good intentions' and went to apologize to the female judge, therefore the bench decided to conclude the investigation. 

Justice Minallah also stated that the court is "satisfied” with Imran Khan's conduct.

Over 700 police personnel under two senior superintendents of police have been deployed around the court premises.  Inside the court premises, Rangers and FC personnel were being deployed. 

Yesterday, the High Court approved Imran Khan’s interim bail till October 7 after he submitted an affidavit in the contempt of court case. 

In the affidavit, Khan swore to “adhere to what I said in the court during the last hearing”. The cricketer-turned politician was directed to submit 10,000 bonds as well.

It comes after an arrest warrant was issued for the former Prime Minister in connection with his controversial remarks against Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Zeba Chaudhry and other officials during one of his public rallies.

In the last hearing, Khan appeared before the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry to apologize for his remarks and assured the court that he would not issue such 'statement in the future'. 

However, Imran Khan was apprised that Judge Zeba was on leave and not present at the time.

Then, before leaving Imran Khan told the court reader to inform the lady judge about his visit, asking them to stay witness regarding his appearance in court.

Contempt of Court Case

While addressing a rally at Islamabad's F-9 park, Imran Khan alleged that Judge Zeba Chaudhry knew that incarcerated party leader Shahbaz Gill was tortured, but she did not release him on bail.

Khan had then said she [the judge] should brace herself for 'consequences'.

The PTI leader also threatened to take action against the Islamabad IG and DIG police.