The Lahore High Court on Thursday annulled the physical remand orders for former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 12 cases related to the incidents of May 9, ruling in favor of his petitions against the remands.
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During the hearing, prosecutors argued for the need for a polygraph test for Imran Khan, which the former premier had previously refused. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh questioned the absence of such tests during interim bail periods and pointed out that the requests for remand coincided with Khan’s expected release.
Imran Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, contended that the defense was unaware of many of the cases and that bail had neither been sought nor granted in those instances. Justice Anwarul Haq Pannu commented on the ongoing practice of re-arresting Khan whenever he receives bail in other cases and questioned the prosecutors’ delays in pursuing actions on older cases.
The court criticized the timing and necessity of the physical remand, highlighting that Khan was already in judicial custody. It also noted that investigation officers had sufficient time over the past year to address these cases.
After completing the arguments, the court nullified the anti-terrorism court’s decision to grant physical remand. Furthermore, the court canceled the notification for Khan’s video link attendance, effectively allowing him to avoid remote appearances in court.
This ruling represents a significant development in the legal battles faced by Imran Khan, who has encountered numerous charges since the incidents of May 9. The court’s decision raises questions about the prosecution’s approach and the handling of Khan’s cases, as well as the overall legal process in such high-profile matters.
