The former Prime Minister and PTI chief Imran Khan’s photograph from Islamabad Police Lines, designated as a court venue for a “one-time dispensation,” is making waves on social media.
Imran Khan was detained at the Islamabad High Court premises in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust inquiry by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
At the beginning of the hearing, NAB sought a 14-day physical remand for Imran. However, the PTI chairman’s attorney contested the request, arguing that the case was outside the bureau’s jurisdiction and that the inquiry report had not been shared.
The lawyer emphasized the right to a fair trial and requested an open court hearing. The hearing was briefly adjourned before resuming.
A late-night notice from the Islamabad commissioner’s office indicated that the former prime minister would appear in two cases at the venue where he is reportedly being held. One case concerns the Toshakhana, with Imran’s indictment pending. An accountability judge will hear the other case pertaining to the Al-Qadir Trust.
Strict security measures were in place outside the police lines office before the NAB hearing, with nearby roads blocked by containers.
Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha of PML-N, who was at the Police Lines office, stated that the PTI chief’s arrest followed “all legal requirements.”
Read: PTI Challenges Imran Khan’s Arrest in SC
Meanwhile, PTI leaders claimed that Imran was denied legal representation and that party leaders were not allowed to see him.
Imran was arrested on Tuesday outside the Islamabad High Court under a warrant issued by the NAB, which accuses him of corruption and corrupt practices under Section 9(a) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
The NAB alleges that Imran and his wife received billions of rupees and land worth hundreds of kanals from Bahria Town Ltd to legalize Rs50 billion that the UK returned to the country during the previous PTI government.