IHC claims Imran Khan’s life under threat

 

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said on Friday that as per intelligence reports, there were fears of another attack on former prime minister Imran Khan.

He passed the remarks while hearing a petition filed by traders regarding road closures due to the party’s protest. 

Earlier, Justice Farooq had sought a report from the inspector general of Islamabad police on the petition and directed the interior ministry to devise a strategy to ensure hassle-free protests in Islamabad. 

During today’s hearing, the judge, quoting intelligence reports submitted in court, said that there was a possibility of another attack on Imran’s life. 

A gunman opened fire on the PTI chief in Wazirabad on November 3 during the party's long march, wherein he sustained multiple gunshot injuries and is now recovering at his house in Lahore's Zaman Park society — but addressing the marchers regularly. 

The IHC CJ's remarks came during the hearing of two merged petitions — PTI's plea seeking a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a protest sit-in in Islamabad and traders' petition for ensuring the citizens' rights to access the roads during the prolonged political demonstrations. 

During the hearing, the police presented a report before the court saying that recently analyzed chatter suggests, there is a possibility of another bid on the life of PTI Chairman Imran Khan during the protest, which Khan plans to join after recovering from his injuries. 

The CJ said it was the government's responsibility to address this issue related to Khan's security. 

Justice Farooq further said the PTI would have to move the court again through a new petition as the one being heard had become ineffective. 

He said the administration should take a decision on PTI's request in accordance with the law and ensure that roads are not blocked while determining the venue of the rally, ensuring both the political party's right to protest and the fundamental rights of citizens.