The court has granted a protective bail to Imran Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a case related to allegations against top officers of state institutions and inciting mutiny.
The case stems from a first information report (FIR) filed by a magistrate, Manzoor Ahmed Khan, on April 6 at the Ramna police station in Islamabad. The FIR accused Khan of spreading hatred between institutions and the public, and attempting to cause damage to institutions and their top officers.
Imran Khan’s Protective Bail Explained
Protective bail is a legal provision that allows an accused to apply for bail before being arrested or detained. The main purpose of protective bail is to prevent the arrest of the accused and provide them with an opportunity to approach the court to seek regular bail.
In Imran Khan’s case, the Lahore High Court has granted him protective bail until April 26th, citing that he needs to go to Islamabad on April 18th.
The court’s decision implies that Imran Khan cannot be arrested until the expiration of his protective bail, and he can approach the court during this time to seek regular bail.
What Does The FIR Say?
Besides more than 80 accusations, another FIR had been registered against Imran under sections 138, 500, and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code, related to abetment of insubordination, defamation, and statements conducing to public mischief.
The FIR refers to Imran’s speeches in March and October 2022 in which he allegedly used inappropriate words for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and army officials. It accused him of provoking extremists and putting the lives of the family members of a senior officer under constant threat.
The complainant further alleged that foreign agencies had taken advantage of the situation and attacked Khan, trying to create a rift between the public and the army. The FIR also claimed that Khan tried to make the soldiers revolt against their oath and officers through a conspiracy using social media, mainly Twitter.
What Does Khan Say In His Defence?
Imran Khan denied the allegations, saying that criticizing institutions when they do something wrong is necessary for society. He also claimed that the whole world would make fun of the allegation that he tried to divide the army, as the world knows him.
The case against Imran Khan continues, and he will likely appear in the relevant court in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Khan’s supporters continue to join him at his Lahore residence.
Workers waiting for Imran Khan at Zaman Park pic.twitter.com/stibf5LUGG
— Ayesha Khan (@ayeshaa__ik) April 14, 2023
