Imran Khan says PTI leaders are being forced to quit the party at ‘gunpoint’.
The Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad has extended PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s bail in eight terrorism-related cases until June 8.
The hearing of Imran Khan’s bail petition was presided over by ATC Judge Raja Jawad Abbas.
In an informal conversation with the media outside the court, Imran Khan claimed that PTI leaders were being forced to quit the party at ‘gunpoint’ rather than doing so voluntarily.
He further claimed, “They are being compelled to resign from the party under threat of violence.”
Imran expressed concern for his party workers and women, stating that the PDM’s support base was dwindling.
“I am disturbed by the treatment of our workers and women,” he added.
The statement had only been recorded in one case, the judge clarified. Salman Safdar, Imran Khan’s attorney, claimed that his client had provided a written statement.
The attorney further clarified that their goal was not to avoid prosecution by pointing out that the Lahore ATC had given them a reprieve because they were cooperating with the local investigation.
The attorney added that the IHC was scheduled to hear his client’s cases on June 8 and emphasized that the accusations were restricted to issues of personal preference.
The joint investigation team (JIT) had been formed for four cases, but Imran Khan had not taken part in the investigation, the special prosecutor noted, noting that he had not appeared on April 6 or April 18.
According to the high court’s request, the court gave the special prosecutor instructions to make sure the suspect participates in the proceedings.
Also read: Jamshed Cheema, wife Musarrat decide to quit PTI
Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi is a politician and former cricket captain who served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan from August 2018 until April 2022. He is the founder and chairman of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
