IHC grants Imran interim bail in 7 cases relating to Federal Judicial Complex clashes.

The Islamabad High Court on Monday granted PTI Chairman Imran Khan interim bail in seven cases registered against him following clashes at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) on March 18 when the former premier had appeared in the Toshakhana case.

In petitions filed in the IHC today, the PTI chief sought interim bail in the cases registered against him at Golra, Bara Kahu, Ramna, Khanna, and CTD police stations.

A two-member IHC division bench, comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, heard the former premier's petition.

The pleas, filed through Barrister Salman Safdar, stated that Imran would suffer 'irreparable loss' if he was arrested.

'Furthermore, being head of the single largest political party, there is an apprehension that his political adversaries and opponents would be able to further their nefarious designs and political ambitions if pre-arrest bail is not granted to the petitioner,' they added.

Earlier, a video on PTI's official Twitter showed the PTI chairman entering the court premises as a huge contingent of the Islamabad police surrounded his vehicle.

He was escorted to the courtroom while being covered with a bullet-proof jacket as per Dawn.com correspondent present at the scene.

When asked by a reporter during an unofficial talk with the media upon his arrival about Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah's recent remarks about Imran, the former premier replied, 'My wish is that both (Imran and Rana Sanaullah) remain but if he is saying that then I will just say that he won't remain.'

'For politicians, the doors for talks remain open. Those who have been playing by collaborating with the umpire, what would they know about a level-playing field,' he added.

During the hearing today, Justice Farooq reprimanded Islamabad Attorney General Jehangir Jadoon for taking back security provided to the former premier.

The court also sought a response from the federal government on why the security was recalled.

The hearing

At the outset of the hearing, Imran's counsel said, 'An objection was raised on the biometric [fingerprints]. If the age becomes more than 60, it (biometric) becomes difficult.

Upon this, Justice Farooq asked rhetorically, 'Why? Does the thumbprint vanish after 60 years?

'In fact, it is very easy now. Get them done from any Easypaisa shop and submit them,' he told the lawyer.

Barrister Safdar then proceeded to tell the court that Imran did not go to the trial court due to 'security...