Imran Khan Appears Before SC via Video Link in NAB Amendments Case

In a significant development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan made a virtual appearance before the Supreme Court in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case. Here’s a breakdown of the latest proceedings and key highlights:

1. Appearance via Video Link:

   • Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, appeared before the Supreme Court via video link.
   • The hearing was presided over by a five-member SC larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
2. Background of the Case:
   • The case revolves around the intra-court appeals filed by the federal and provincial governments against the NAB amendments struck down by the apex court.
   • Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered arrangements at Adiala Jail for Khan’s appearance via video link.
3. Court Proceedings:
   • The hearing was not live-streamed as arrangements were made for Khan’s appearance through video link.
   • The court allowed Khan to defend himself via video link after his lawyers held a meeting with him in jail.
   • The hearing also involved arguments by government counsels and Khan’s lawyer, Khawaja Haris.
4. Observations and Directions:
   • The court inquired about the establishment of the video link with Khan and directed the government’s counsel to provide the full record of the NAB amendments case from the Islamabad High Court.
   • Notably, the SC expressed surprise over the prolonged proceedings of the case, which witnessed a total of 53 hearings.
5. Outcome and Adjournment:
   • After deliberations, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing indefinitely and directed Khan’s appearance via video-link for the next hearing.
   • The case holds significant implications, as it pertains to the restoration of graft cases against public office holders following the striking down of the NAB amendments.
6. Background of the Case:
   • The case originated from Imran Khan’s petition challenging amendments made to the country’s accountability laws during the previous government’s tenure.
   • The SC, in its majority verdict, restored graft cases worth less than Rs500 million against political leaders, including Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari.

The developments in the NAB amendments case mark a crucial legal battle with implications for accountability and governance in Pakistan.