ISLAMABAD: Banking Court rejected request of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan for attending proceedings through video link and gave him last chance to appear in person in prohibited funding case. Banking Court Judge Rakhshanda Shaheen warned PTI leader that his interim bail would be cancelled in case he did not turn up on next date of hearing.

At outset of hearing, Imran Khan's lawyer Salman Safdar requested court to grant one-time exemption from appearance to his client on medical grounds. Imran Khan had received more than one bullet in firing incident and he was unable to move.

Special Prosecutor Rizwan Abbasi took stance that all should be equal in eyes of law. Bails of common people were cancelled if they failed to appear, but former Prime Minister was given an extension in his bail despite his non-appearance, he added.

Salman Safdar Advocate pleaded that former PM had to collect records from various banks in case. He had requested Federal Investigation Agency many times to do an investigation from him at his Zaman Park Lahore residence but latter did not want to come there, he added.

After listening arguments, court adjourned till February 15, directing PTI Chairman to ensure his appearance on next date of hearing. FIA had lodged case against Imran Khan and others in light of decision of Election Commission of Pakistan in prohibited funding case.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 01 2023

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