Imran asks CJP for 'adequate security' for court appearances

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has written a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, requesting adequate security arrangements for his court appearances due to possible assassination plots against him. "I wish to draw your attention to a very critical issue. Ever since the removal of my government through a regime change operation, I have been confronted with questionable FIRs, threats and finally an assassination attempt," the former prime minister stated in the letter on Sunday. He complained of not being provided proper security despite being a former prime minister, alleging that the current prime minister, interior minister, and a senior intelligence agency officer were involved in the failed assassination plot against him. Read more: Imran evades arrest in Lahore, demands 'public trial' of Toshakhana case "There are clear indications of another assassination attempt being plotted on my life," he said. "To date, there are 74 cases against me and I am being made to appear in court for hearings time and often. I am chairman of the largest political party in the country and wherever I go massive crowds naturally follow. This further aggravates the prevailing security threat. Right to life is fundamental right under the Constitution and there is a grave threat to my life," he added. In his last appearance before the LHC, Imran said that there was a "total failure" of official security, and the same happened in Islamabad when he had to appear before different courts. The PTI chief requested the CJP to take action on this threat being faced by him from those in power and to ensure that adequate security arrangements are made if his appearance is necessary. Also read: PTI chairman claims Bajwa 'rescued' Shehbaz in NAB cases He also requested a video link facility for court appearances due to severe threats to his life, which would prevent massive crowds from showing up in support whenever he has to make a court appearance. Earlier in the day, the former prime minister demanded a "public trial" of the Toshakhana case before a crowd gathered inside Zaman Park, hours after police claimed he was avoiding arrest after they returned empty-handed from his Lahore residence without even meeting the PTI chairman. Islamabad police had travelled to Lahore earlier in the day to arrest Imran Khan over warrants issued against him in the Toshakhana (gift repository) case. Police officials said the former premier was avoiding arrest, as his staff told them he was "unavailable" when they visited Zaman Park with the court orders.

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