Imran Khan’s bail is revoked by the Islamabad ATC in the ECP protest case

ISLAMABAD – Imran Khan, the head of the PTI, had his bail revoked by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday after he failed to appear in court for a case involving a demonstration outside the Pakistani Election Commission headquarters (ECP).

The PTI leader disobeyed a court order to appear at the hearing, thus ATC Judge Jawad Abbas issued the order. A motion for exemption from personal attendance in the case was denied by the court earlier in the day.

The ruling was made at the same time that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued an order prohibiting a banking court in the federal capital from hearing Mr. Khan’s bail appeal in the case involving illegal funds.

Asad Umar, the secretary-general of the PTI, and several party members were arrested last October for suspected acts of violence committed during the demonstrations in Islamabad. The PTI organised the demonstration after the ECP barred Mr. Khan from serving in the National Assembly due to the submission of a fake affidavit about his assets. The Anti-Terrorism Act was used to record the case at the Sagjani police station.

Babar Awan, the PTI leader’s attorney, said during the hearing that terrorism-related portions had been improperly introduced to the case and that the court might render its decision at any moment. The matter would be sent to the other court once the court delivers its conclusions, he added.

The judge responded by asking how he could hear a case on the merits if the suspect was unwilling to show up in court. He said that Imran Khan’s bail was a factor in the current investigation. Judge Jawad Abbas said, “I would treat a prominent person and a regular guy equally.”

Mr. Awan requested that the bail be extended till February 27 and said that the PTI leader attempted to travel for the hearing but was unable to do so. If the terrorist component of the case was dropped, he said he would be willing to rescind the bail petition.

You may withdraw the plea at any moment, the court said, and you also have the option of requesting a protective bail from the Lahore High Court. The judge gave him till 2:30 p.m. to determine whether to withdraw the bail petition or let the court decide after hearing the arguments. The court resumed proceedings after a brief recess and denied Imran Khan’s request for release.

A temporary bail was given to the PTI leader more than four months ago. Until he is released on temporary bail, the defendant is required by law to make personal appearances before the court.