Islamabad, Pakistan – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan may be released from prison soon after his bail plea was accepted by the Lahore High Court (LHC). Khan was arrested on October 26, 2022, on charges of terrorism related to his speech in which he threatened legal action against a judge and the Islamabad police chief. The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) had denied his bail application twice, leading to his detention. On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, a two-judge bench of the LHC headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi heard Khan’s bail plea. The court accepted his petition, setting bail at 100,000 Pakistani rupees ($500). Khan’s legal team argued that the charges against him were politically motivated and that the ATC had acted illegally by denying him bail. They also cited Khan’s medical condition, including a spine injury and possible brain damage, as reasons for his release. The prosecution opposed Khan’s bail request, arguing that his speech had the potential to incite violence and that he could influence witnesses if released. The court, however, ruled that Khan had provided sufficient grounds for bail and that the prosecution had failed to prove any substantial risk of his absconding or tampering with evidence. Khan’s release could have a significant impact on the political landscape in Pakistan. He remains a popular figure among his supporters, and his release could galvanize his political base. The government has faced mounting pressure to release Khan, with protests and rallies held in several cities. It is unclear when Khan will be released as the paperwork for his bail is still being processed. However, his release is expected to occur in the coming days. The development is seen as a major victory for Khan and his supporters, who have been demanding his release since his arrest. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to Khan’s release and what impact it will have on the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan.“`json { “articles”: [ { “source”: { “id”: null, “name”: “ARY NEWS” }, “author”: null, “title”: “Imran Khan may soon be released from prison – ARY NEWS”, “description”: “LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) is expected to issue an order for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan anytime soon, reported ARY NEWS on Friday.”, “url”: “https://arynews.tv/imran-khan-may-soon-be-released-from-prison/”, “urlToImage”: “https://arynews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/imran-khan-bail-order-5.jpg”, “publishedAt”: “2023-03-10T11:46:37Z”, “content”: “LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) is expected to issue an order for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan anytime soon, reported ARY NEWS on Friday.nnThe PTI chief was granted bail by the LHC in the terrorism case registered against him in connection with the violent clashes between his supporters and Islamabad police during the partys long march towards Islamabad on October 28 last year.nnA two-judge bench, comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Shahbaz Rizvi, had approved his bail plea against a surety bond of Rs100,000.nnHowever, Khan could not be released as he was also facing another terrorism case, registered in connection with a protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Islamabad on August 21, 2022.nnThe PTI chief was shifted to the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore on February 23 after a local court in Islamabad dismissed his bail plea in the ECP protest case.nnOn Tuesday, the LHC granted interim bail to Imran Khan in the ECP protest case and ordered his release on a surety bond of Rs100,000. The court also directed the PTI chief to submit his passport to the court. nnThe passport of the PTI chief is currently in the custody of the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) as he is also facing a money laundering case.nnNow that Khan has secured bail in both the cases, he is expected to be released from prison soon.nnThe development comes as a major relief for the PTI chief and his supporters, who have been demanding his release since his arrest last month.nnIt is pertinent to mention here that Imran Khan was removed from office through a vote of no-confidence in April last year. Since then, he has been holding rallies across the country, demanding fresh elections.nnThe PTI chief has also been facing several legal challenges, including charges of terrorism, money laundering, and corruption.” } ] } “`
