Imran Khan appears before Pakistan’s top court via video link; hearing ends without him speaking
The Hindu
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan appears in court via video link, sparking a probe into leaked image.
Incarcerated former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on May 16 appeared before the Supreme Court via a video link in a case about changes in the anti-corruption laws but did not get to speak as a petitioner in the matter.
However, a leaked image of the 71-year-old founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s image showing him attending the court hearing has prompted the Supreme Court administration to initiate a probe to find out the source for the leak, The News International reported citing sources.
Khan appearing via the video link was possible after Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Tuesday while hearing an appeal by the government against annulment of certain changes in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws by the previous government had ordered the authorities to present Khan virtually for his statement.
Khan had challenged the tweaks in the NAB laws and the top court in September last year had accepted his plea which reopened dozens of cases of alleged corruption against some leading politicians, including Khan’s arch rival Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.
A five-member Supreme Court larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi heard the case.
During the hearing, senior counsel Khawaja Haris, who earlier represented Imran Khan in the first round of litigation, appeared before the court for legal assistance while Makhdoom Ali Khan was present on behalf of the federal government, Dawn.com reported.
The SC, noting that the bench was unavailable next week, adjourned the hearing indefinitely, it said.
Former President Bolsonaro and 36 others indicted for coup attempt to stay in power, facing potential jail time.
John Prescott: colorful British politician who brought working-class credibility to Tony Blair's government, known for his blunt style.
Susie Wiles faces challenges managing powerful interests seeking access to Trump in her role as chief of staff.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler steps down after aggressive oversight of cryptocurrencies, financial markets, and investor protection measures.
Israel and allies denounce ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, while Turkey and rights groups welcome the move.
Trump nominates Pam Bondi as Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdraws amid sex trafficking allegations.
UNICEF reports 40% of Myanmar's 3.4M displaced are children, facing conflict, climate disasters, and deadly violence.
Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon escalate, causing significant casualties and displacements, with U.S. envoy seeking truce negotiations.
India and Australia strengthen air force cooperation through air-to-air refuelling, enhancing military reach in Indo-Pacific region.
Experts warn Sri Lanka to be cautious of Adani power project amid fraud allegations and calls for review.
COP29 draft climate finance package rejected by all signatories, developing nations demand $1.3 trillion annually for climate challenges.