PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Wednesday granted two weeks of protective bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Atif Khan, as he seeks legal relief in connection with multiple cases reportedly registered against him in Islamabad.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Naeem Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel heard the petition filed by Atif Khan, who approached the court requesting details of the cases registered against him and protection from arrest. During the proceedings, Atif Khan’s legal counsel informed the court that his client could not appear in person due to his responsibilities at the ongoing federal budget session in the National Assembly. The court acknowledged the justification and granted the petitioner a two-week protective bail, instructing him to appear before the relevant trial courts within the given time.
Deputy Attorney General Gohar Rehman Khattak presented a report from the federal government, confirming that three First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered against the PTI lawmaker in Islamabad. However, no arrests had been made so far in relation to these cases.
The court also sought input from other investigation and accountability agencies. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), through its special prosecutor, clarified that no cases are currently pending against Atif Khan. Likewise, a representative from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed the court that there are no ongoing inquiries against the PTI leader within their department.
However, the Additional Advocate General informed the bench that one inquiry is active against Atif Khan under the Anti-Corruption Establishment. No further details about the nature of the inquiry were disclosed during the hearing. The court noted that while the protective bail provides temporary legal cover, the petitioner is required to cooperate with the legal process and appear before the competent courts to address any charges or investigations.
Atif Khan, a prominent figure within PTI and a former provincial minister, is among several party leaders who have faced legal scrutiny in recent months amid a broader political crackdown. His legal team has maintained that the cases are politically motivated and intended to pressure opposition voices. The hearing was adjourned after the court issued its orders, and the matter will now proceed in the relevant trial courts as directed.
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