Lahore (Web Desk): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday extended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan's bail till April 13 in three terrorism cases.
ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan issued the orders after the PTI chief appeared before the court in a tight security.
The cases were registered against Imran Khan chief in the provincial capital in connection with the clashes between PTI workers and police during an operation to arrest Khan in the Toshakhana gifts case.
During the hearing today, Joint Investigation Team (JIT) chief Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imran Kishor appeared in the courtroom and stated that there was no investigation involving Imran Khan.
To this, PTI's lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar, said that he could submit a written statement to the police or the JIT could visit Imran's residence at Zaman Park.
The duty judge remarked that it was preferable for the counsel to submit a written statement.
Salman Safdar told the court that he was prepared to submit Imran's written statement. At this, the court ordered the head of the JIT to appear at the next hearing and further directed him to complete the investigation as soon as possible.
Imran Khan reached the ATC amid a heavy contingent of security deployed at the court. Subsequently, the hearing was delayed due to rush.
Instead of appearing before the court today, the PTI chief had initially filed a plea seeking an exemption from an in-person appearance. The plea stated that Khan was present in the provincial capital but he couldn't appear due to security concerns.
However, the court directed Khan's lawyer to ensure the PTI chief appears before the court by 11am or else it would make a decision on his interim bail plea as per law.
Following the court's order, Khan appeared before the court in person amid strict security.
