Non-bailable arrest warrant issued against former Pakistan PM Imran Khan

A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, as per local media reports.

The warrant was issued by the Civil Judge District Sessions Court in connection with a case about threatening Khatoon Judge Zeba Chaudhry.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan was scheduled to appear in court today. However, Imran Khan filed a plea seeking exemption from attendance in court, citing security concerns. The court rejected Imran Khan’s plea and issued an arrest warrant, as per a report by Geo News.

The court order asked Imran Khan to be produced in court on March 29.

WHAT DID IMRAN KHAN SAY?
In August last year, Imran Khan held a political rally in solidarity with his special assistant Shahbaz Gill, alleging that he was being tortured in custody. During that speech, Imran Khan allegedly threatened judge Zeba Chaudhry, saying she should “prepare herself as action would be taken against her”.

Immediately after Imran Khan’s remark, an FIR was lodged against him for threatening the judge.

Sections 186 (offence of obstructing a public servant in the execution of public duty), 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), 504 (criminal intimidation) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code were added to the FIR.

Afterwards, Imran Khan, in an affidavit to the Islamabad High Court, admitted that “he might have crossed a line” and expressed his willingness to apologise to the judge.

Imran Khan was asked to appear in court today in connection with the above case. Following his absence, the court ordered a non-bailable arrest warrant.