Toshakhana case: IHC suspends Imran Khan's arrest warrants.

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan - issued by a local court in the capital in the Toshakhana case.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq accepted the PTI chief's plea against Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal's decision and directed Khan to ensure that he appears before the lower court on March 13.

Following the high court's decision, the sessions court, which was also hearing the Toshakhana case, ordered the former prime minister to appear before it, where he will be indicted.

On February 28, Additional Sessions Judge Iqbal issued the former prime minister's non-bailable arrest warrants for continuously failing to appear before the court in the Toshakhana case.

Islamabad police then raided Khan's residence in Lahore's Zaman Park but returned empty-handed as the law enforcers were informed that the former prime minister "wasn't present" there.

Khan had then approached the same court for suspending the orders, but Judge Iqbal rejected his plea - prompting the deposed prime minister to move the IHC.

At the outset of the hearing presided by CJ Farooq, Khan's lawyer Qaisar Imam started his arguments, saying that an attempt on the PTI chief's life was highly likely during his appearance at the local court.

CJ Farooq remarked that the arrest warrant had been issued to ensure Khan's presence, not for his arrest. "Imran Khan should have appeared before the court," the justice said.

He asked Khan's lawyers to suggest a way to summon the deposed premier to the court. Issuing arrest warrants is the only way in the law to ensure a suspect's appearance in court, he added

Meanwhile, Khan's lawyer requested the court to suspend the arrest warrant. At this, the CJ asked what would the suspension do.

"The court is summoning you to conduct a trial. I wouldn't issue any order that is out of common practice. Imran Khan would have to appear in person for indictment," he remarked.

CJ Farooq further stated that Khan should appear in the lower court as he has to appear in IHC on March 9.

Lawyer Imam maintained that Khan had serious security threats.

IHC CJ told the lawyers to consult with Khan about his appearance in court. At this, CJ Farooq referred to last week's appearance of Khan at the Lahore High Court.

"There was a huge crowd. Who knows who has come with what intention," the justice said, adding that bringing thousands of people would make...