Judge threat case: Court issues bailable warrant for Imran 

Islamabad: District and Sessions Court Islamabad Tuesday issued bailable arrest warrant for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in the case of threatening female judge Zeba Chaudhry.

According to details, Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman heard the case during which prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi said that Imran Khan has been summoned by the court in a personal capacity.

Imran Khan's request for exemption from attendance at the last hearing was not approved, and should not be accepted today also, prosecutor Raja said.

He stated that non-bailable arrest warrant should be issued against Khan as bailable arrest warrant is still ongoing.

The prosecutor asked: “Would any other accused be treated the same way as Imran”?

An appeal is always filed on behalf of Imran Khan on the warrant, however, he does not appear in the court himself, said Rizwan Abbasi.

Presenting the arguments Imran Khan's lawyer Ali Bukhari said that the Islamabad administration had issued a notification to shift the court in the Tosha Khana case. “And court has summoned federal government for taking back security of former Prime Minister Imran Khan”.

Ali Bukhari stated that it was ordered that Imran Khan should be provided security of his choice, however he loves to appear in court.

Another lawyer of Imran Khan Faisal Chaudhry said that the issue of bail in other cases of Imran is pending in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

“His life is in danger. Imran Khan is still not medically fit to able to walk properly,” said Faisal Chaudhry adding that arrangements related to Imran's security are also to be considered.

Judge Malik Aman said that the appeals for immunity from Imran Khan's attendance have been dismissed twice. Responding to which Faisal Chaudhry stated: “It’s a new day today, therefore a plea for exemption from attendance should be made”.

The lawyer of former prime minister stated trhat Imran had appeared in the courts before too. In the history of Pakistan, former prime ministers lost their lives due to lack of security.

During the hearing, Imran Khan's warrant non-compliance report was submitted to the court.

Lawyer Ali Bukhari said that Imran Khan's warrant compliance report had been sent to Bani Gala— Imran Khan’s residence in Islamabad—, he does not live in Bani Gala, the next report should be sent to Zaman Park—residence in Lahore.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case of threatening a female judge against Imran Khan till May 25, issued a bailable warrant for him and directed to comply with the warrant at Zaman Park.

Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman directed Imran Khan to submit a surety bond of Rs20,000.