SC orders to release Imran Khan immediately, declares his arrest illegal

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday declared the arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case as illegal, ordering to release him immediately.

The court also ordered him to approach the Islamabad High Court on Friday. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial heard the plea for the release of Imran Khan.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that violent incidents occurred after arrest of Imran Khan. "Nice to see you. We want peace in the country. It is being stated that your workers came out in anger. We want to listen to you. When a man appears before the court of law, he surrenders before the court," he observed.

The CJP observed that the constitutional machinery will be able to work if peace is restored.

Earlier during the hearing, the court had ordered the Islamabad IGP to produce Imran Khan in an hour. Imran Khan was produced in the SC amid tight security. Stringent security arrangements had been made in and outside the SC.

The CJP had ordered that no political worker or leader will be allowed to enter court. "Only people present in court will be allowed to enter the court," he ruled.

He observed that an appropriate order will be issued today and the proceedings will be started from the arrest of Imran Khan.

The CJP also remarked the court is very serious about the damage caused to government and private properties as well as the loss of precious lives.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked that it is impossible to defend the way in which Imran Khan was arrested. "The step would have been intolerable had there been a citizen instead of Imran Khan," he observed.