An additional sessions court in Islamabad accepted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former prime minister Imran Khan\u2019s request for exemption from appearing before the court in the Toshakhana (gift depository) reference.
\nDistrict and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal had summoned the former premier in his personal capacity, however, Khan filed a request for exemption from attendance based on an ongoing 3-day strike in the Islamabad bar.
\nImran Khan\u2019s lawyer filed a request to exempt him from attending the proceedings today, citing the ongoing strike.
\nOn this, prosecutor Amjad Parvez commented that even if Imran\u2019s lawyer is involved in the protest, it would be necessary for him to ensure his presence in court during the trial.
\nKhawaja Harris, the lawyer representing the former premier, responded by stating that his client was absent from the court due to security concerns as the government had withdrawn his security amid threats.
\nHe then suggested that PTI chairman could attend the hearing via video link, if permitted.
\nMr. Harris requested that the court accept the plea for exemption. During today\u2019s hearing, Mr. Pervez proposed that if the Thursday hearing was not feasible, it should be rescheduled for Saturday, which would be a 10-day delay.
\nThe judge asked both parties to assist the court in scheduling the next hearing through mutual consultation.
\nAt this, Imran\u2019s counsel requested a two-week adjournment of the hearing, while advocate Faisal Chaudhry proposed that the hearing be scheduled after Ramadan.
\nEventually, Judge Zafar Iqbal granted the exemption plea and postponed the hearing until April 29.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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