Security beefed up ahead of Imran's appearance in LHC today

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is likely to appear before the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday for the verification of his signatures on three documents in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) protest case. The security at the LHC has been beefed up ahead of the former prime minister's appearance. More than two hundred police officials have been deployed outside the courtroom of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh The difference in the signatures was noted by Justice Sheikh while hearing petitioner Imran's protective bail plea last week in a case pertaining to the protests outside the ECP. On February 16, Justice Sheikh had summoned Imran Khan by February 20 (today) after PTI's counsel had ensured the appearance of the petitioner before the court. Read Imran Khan likely to appear in LHC tomorrow In the proceedings held on Thursday, one of the ex-PM's protective bail pleas was dismissed as non-prosecution after a day’s long confusion over whether or not Imran would appear before the LHC, despite promises to the court to produce him. Meanwhile, the second application was adjourned till February 20 after PTI ensured the party chief's appearance. Entrance to LHC's premises rejected  The petitioner’s application seeking permission for the entrance of his vehicle into the LHC's premises today due to Imran's health and security condition was rejected. In reference to the PTI chief’s application filed two days earlier, the concerned authority denied permission for entrance to the court. The LHC has declined the request regarding entry through Masjid Gate but has allowed Imran’s vehicle to enter the GPO gate up to the Drop Down Barrier/Litigant Centre near the attorney general’s office. It is pertinent to mention that the administrative authority was informed of Imran’s health issues as well as the danger to his life, given that he had already survived an assassination attempt and is still facing threats. Meanwhile, PTI leader Shahbaz Gill will also appear in the high court today in connection with the sedition case against him. آج اپنے ایک مقدمے کے سلسلے میں لاہور ہائیکورٹ میں موجود ہوں۔جس عدالت میں خان صاحب نے پیش ہونا ہے اسی عدالت میں میری بھی پیشی ہے۔اگر خان صاحب کی گاڑی کو عدالت کے قریب نہ آنے دیا گیا تو خان صاحب کے بحفاظت عدالت تک پہنچنے پر بہت بڑا سوالیہ نشان ہو گا۔ زمینی حقائق کو مدنظر رکھا جائے — Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) February 20, 2023 In a tweet, Gill said that if Imran’s car is not allowed near the court, it is uncertain whether the PTI chief will be able to reach the court safely. “Ground realities should be taken into consideration,” he added. Single bench On Thursday, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the proceedings where the case took a new turn when Justice Sheikh keeping aside the issue of “the petitioner’s presence into the court is prerequisite for getting protective bail” questioned the difference in the petitioner’s signatures on three documents (petition, affidavit and power of attorney). Justice Sheikh made it clear that he would issue a contempt notice to either Imran or his counsel over deceiving the court. However, the proceedings were adjourned for a short interval with direction to PTI’s counsel advocate Azhar Siddique to explain his position regarding the three documents. Siddique argued that there are two major issues: one being Imran’s health and the second being his security. Read More Ally fears another attack on Imran "The petitioner has already survived an assassination attempt. Taliban groups had threatened to kill him. How, under such circumstances, could he appear before the court in the absence of security clearance?" he said. The lawyer further argued that the court could constitute a commission to send to the petitioner’s residence to testify his signatures or take his view via a video link. The court rejected all suggestions made by the counsel and said that Imran should be present in the LHC, otherwise his petition will be dismissed. Division bench Meanwhile, a division bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi conducted proceedings in a separate case registered in Islamabad Sangjani police station against PTI’s leaders including Imran. The case was registered under different sections including 7-ATA over blocking Srinagar Highway, creating law and order and chaos, intervening in state mater, damaging state properties, and attacking police. The court dismissed Imran's protective bail as non-prosecution.

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