Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan made a virtual appearance before the Supreme Court on Thursday in the ongoing National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case. Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, had sought to present his arguments in person but was permitted to defend himself via video link.
The Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising a five-member larger bench, including Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Athar Minallah, and Hasan Azhar Rizvi, heard the case concerning the intra-court appeals filed by federal and provincial governments against the NAB amendments nullified by the apex court in 2023.
The court session, however, was not broadcast live. Earlier arrangements were made at Adiala Jail for Khan’s video appearance following the court’s directives. The PTI founder was briefed about the procedure, and a trial run was conducted to ensure smooth connectivity.
Imran Khan, represented by his lawyers Khawaja Haris and Intezar Panjutha, engaged in a brief meeting before the hearing as ordered by the Supreme Court. Despite Khan’s desire to argue in person, the court allowed him to present his case via video link.
During the hearing, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan confirmed the establishment of the video link with Khan, who appeared donning a light blue shirt. Government counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan commenced his arguments, ensuring they were audible to Khan.
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The court also inquired about the status of the NAB amendments case in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), to which Makhdoom Ali Khan responded that the matter was pending. The court directed him to procure the complete record from the IHC.
Additionally, Khawaja Haris, Khan’s lawyer, expressed his willingness to present arguments in the case. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, acknowledging Haris’s previous involvement, welcomed his participation.
The court deliberated on the prolonged proceedings of the case, questioning the number of hearings conducted. Makhdoom Ali Khan explained the circumstances, stating that multiple arguments were presented, leading to delays.
After a thorough discussion, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing indefinitely, instructing for Khan’s presence via video link in the next session. The case continues to be of significant interest, with implications for NAB amendments and legal proceedings in Pakistan.