Islamabad HC Grants Bail to Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan, No New Arrest Till 17 May

While Imran Khan has relief in most of the 120 total cases against him, he does not have safeguards in four cases.

Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled that nobody could be arrested from inside the court premises and ordered Imran Khan's release on Thursday, 11 May.

Image used for representational purposes.

Image: Kamran Akhtar/The Quint

The Islamabad High Court granted 15-day protective bail to Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case on Friday, 12 May. Moreover, the court granted Khan protection from arrest in all cases till 17 May, GeoTV reported.

A two-judge bench, who previously walked out amid sloganeering, granted bail to Khan three days after 80 Rangers arrested him from the court and whisked him away in connection with the case.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that nobody could be arrested from inside the court premises and ordered Khan's release on Thursday, 11 May. The SC had ordered Khan to appear before the Islamabad HC.

GeoTV reported that the Supreme Court gave Khan protection from arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case for two weeks, adding that the former PM is free to leave. Moreover, he cannot be arrested in any case registered after 9 May, and has protection in most of the 120 total cases against him.

Khan also received protection from the IHC in four cases in Lahore where he did not in the past.

What Happened at the Islamabad HC Hearing?

The bail plea of the former prime minister was taken up by the IHC one day after the Supreme Court declared his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case as "unlawful."

During the court proceedings, Khan was questioned by a Geo News reporter about whether he was allowed to use a phone during his arrest. He responded by stating that NAB officials had permitted him to speak to his wife via a landline, but clarified that he was unable to contact her.

When asked if he had expected to be arrested, Khan replied, "I was 100% certain that I would be arrested."

Following his response, the courtroom erupted with slogans in support of the PTI chief.

Khan's lawyer also highlighted the legal deficiencies of the call-up notices and said, "It is crucial to clarify the capacity in which the individual in question has been summoned — as a witness or as an accused."

Imran Khan's Show of Strength Amid Heavy Security

Imran Khan entered the court premises with a smile on his face, and flashed the victory symbol towards the swarms of people surrounding him.

Footage aired on television show a large number of police and Rangers officials deployed outside the court premises and barbed wire placed in front of the gate. Footage also showed many lawyers shouting slogans expressing solidarity with the former PM.

GeoTV had an interesting interaction with the former PM and said

"When GeoTV asked if Khan spoke to the establishment, he nodded his head in the negative. When GeoTV asked Imran Khan if he is adamant or if he has made a deal?, Khan smiled. When GeoTV asked Imran Khan if Khan's silence indicated he made a deal with the establishment, he put his finger on his mouth."

Meanwhile, Khan's party - the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - announced a rally to mark the occasion and asked members to assemble near the court for his address. Khan is set to address a rally after his high court appearance.

After the court struck down his arrest, PTI workers had also distributed sweets at the residence of the former premier in Zaman Park. This came after widespread protests by Khan's party over the last few days. Till Thursday, several regions of Pakistan, including Karachi, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Lahore, had seen widespread violence, destruction of property and loss of life.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also ordered the Islamabad Police to make adequate arrangements to ensure the security of the former prime minister.