Islamabad, February 18 – A district and sessions court in Pakistan has ordered the prosecution to ensure the appearance of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at the next hearing, either in person or via video link, while extending his pre-arrest bail in five cases, including one related to the alleged attempted murder of former minister Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, local media reported on Wednesday.
District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka barred the police from arresting the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in these cases and also granted an extension in the pre-arrest bail of Bushra Bibi in a related matter.
The court adjourned the hearing until Wednesday, according to a report published by the leading Pakistani daily, Dawn.
During the proceedings, both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were represented by their legal counsel. However, despite prior court directions, the former Prime Minister was not produced before the court via video link.
As a result, and in the absence of his lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, arguments on the acquittal plea could not be presented.
Taking note of the situation, the court directed that the
