Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), appeared before the Supreme Court via video link in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa led a five-member bench, including Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Athar Minallah, and Hasan Azhar Rizvi, currently hearing the case.
The court is reviewing intra-court appeals from federal and provincial governments against the NAB amendments previously nullified by the Supreme Court. The decision on whether the hearing will be broadcast live remains pending.
Arrangements for Khan’s appearance were completed at Adiala Jail, where he is incarcerated. The jail administration informed Khan of his scheduled appearance, and a trial run of the video link was conducted successfully.
During the proceedings, Khan expressed his desire to appear in person but was permitted to defend himself via video. His lawyers, Khawaja Haris and Intezar Panjutha met with him in jail following the court’s order.
Chief Justice Isa had previously stated that Khan could present his arguments via video link if he wished. This follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 verdict annulling certain NAB amendments, which Khan’s lawyers had initially challenged.
Khan, who has been largely out of public view since his arrest in August 2023, might make his first virtual public appearance in nearly 10 months if the bench opts for live streaming.
The hearing commenced with Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan confirming the establishment of the video link. The government’s counsel, Makhdoom Ali Khan, then began his arguments, ensuring Khan could hear them.
The court inquired about the status of the NAB amendments case at the Islamabad High Court, to which Makhdoom confirmed its admissibility and ongoing proceedings. Justice Minallah and CJP Isa queried the duration and handling of the case, emphasizing the lengthy process and questioning the reasons for the delay.
