Toshakhana case: Imran Khan’s Arrest Warrants Cancelled

Islamabad: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan’s arrest warrants in the Toshakhana case were cancelled by Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal after permitting him to go back upon marking his attendance outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex.

The hearing was adjourned till the 30th of March due to the turbulence and chaos witnessed. Judge Zafar Iqbal stated that the hearing and appearance cannot take place in the current situation due to the ongoing hostilities between Islamabad Police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers outside the Judicial Complex.

Intense clashes broke out between PTI supporters and police as Imran Khan’s convoy reached the judicial complex. His vehicle was stopped merely 100 meters from the gate of the judicial complex as the police blamed party workers for blocking the route. Meanwhile, the PTI claimed the law enforcers were restricting the party chairman’s movement.

Earlier, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) restricted live coverage of events outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex. The Pakistan media regulatory body barred television channels from the live coverage of rallies or public gatherings and said that today, a ban has been imposed on the coverage of any party, person, or organisation.

It further said that it had observed with concern that satellite TV channels were showing live footage of a violent mob, and attacks on police and law enforcement agencies. It added that the live telecast of such footage on different satellite TV channels created chaos and panic among viewers and the police. It cautioned such activism by mobs not only jeopardises the law and order situation but also makes public properties and lives vulnerable.