LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday turned down a plea filed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan seeking protective bail in a case of protest outside the Election Commission (ECP) after he failed to appear before the bench.
Resuming the hearing, Justice Ali Baqir Najafi said the petitioner had been summoned for 6:30pm, but he failed to appear.
Khan failed to appear in court despite repeated opportunities extended by the court.
Earlier, Mr Khan’s lawyers assured the court that the former premier will reach the courtroom when the hearing resumes at 6:30pm.
Rejecting Khan’s lawyer’s request for a verification of his client’s signatures through video link or a bailiff, the court had adjourned the hearing.
When Justice Najafi asked about the petitioner’s presence, his lawyer responded that his client was facing many problems.
There was a murder attempt on Imran Khan, he was shot at and doctors have advised Imran bed rest, he responded.
Justice Najafi asked how the court can grant security without going through the application.
The lawyer said Dr Faisal Sultan is present in the courtroom, he can give further details about the petitioner’s health.
“Imran Khan can come to the court on a wheelchair,” Justice Najafi remarked.
His lawyer maintained Mr Khan is ready to come, but the party leadership has serious concerns about his security.
Counsel Azhar Siddique argued PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz was also granted protective bail without appearing before the court.
“The Supreme Court has decided that a protective bail cannot be granted without appearance of the suspect,” Justice Najafi observed.
Later the court rejected the plea for protective bail.
