Imran Khan, a former Pakistani prime minister and the head of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claims in a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial that an assassination plot by “unknown” individuals has put Bandial’s life in danger.
Due to security concerns, Imran has asked for permission to appear in court via video link.
Imran asserts that because he is involved in over 90 cases, he has consistently asked for video link capabilities for his court appearances. He also claims that despite an attempted assassination plot against him, no security was offered to him during prior court appearances.
Imran claims that when his convoy arrived at the Islamabad Judicial Complex for his most recent court appearance, the containers were positioned so as to obstruct his arrival at the complex and create a false situation of “no show.” Imran claims that this is how his most recent court appearance was handled.
Imran also claims that the police and Rangers stationed at the scene provoked his supporters, who had gathered to show solidarity. They attacked PTI leadership and unarmed bystanders with stone pelting, baton charges, and tear gas shelling.
Imran claims that the police attacked the workers near his car without cause when he was halfway through the complex’s gate. Imran came to the conclusion that his assassination, not his arrest, was the intended outcome at this point.
Imran claims that the fact that at least 20 “unknown” people who weren’t in uniform and didn’t have their identities on display were allowed inside the complex while his lawyers were beaten back from the door and denied entry is what gave credibility to his assassination claims. They were there, in Imran’s opinion, to kill him.
The PTI leader also brought the unprecedented “assault” on his Zaman Park home while he was in Islamabad to the CJP’s attention.
He insisted that the police broke the Islamic law protecting the sanctity of “chadar and chardiwari” by entering his home without permission. Imran’s wife and a couple of domestic helpers were the only people present in the home at the time.
In light of this, Imran has pleaded with the CJP to look into the incidents and asked for a delay in his court appearances. It is significant to note that the Lahore High Court is currently considering a similar application seeking relaxations (LHC).
The court ordered the PTI attorney to go to Imran’s home in Zaman Park on Monday to confirm the deployment of police to protect him. Resumption of the case is scheduled for today.
