ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan apologized Thursday (September 22) in a contempt of court case and promised not to undermine the dignity of the judiciary, the court heard, a concession that could avoid his disqualification from politics.
The charges relate to a speech by Khan in which he allegedly threatened police and a female judge last month after one of his close aides was denied bail in a sedition case.
“He said he realized during the proceedings that he may have crossed a red line,” the court said in a short order seen by Reuters. Khan had previously denied being threatening.
The high court was expected to indict Khan, a move that could have led to his exclusion from politics if found guilty.
A convicted politician faces disqualification for at least five years under Pakistani laws.
Local media in the courtroom quoted Khan as saying, “I’m sorry if I crossed a line.”
He assured that he would never do anything in the future that would undermine the dignity of the court or the judiciary, and that he would gladly apologize to the female judge if she deemed it necessary, the report said. court order.
“We are, prima facie, satisfied,” said the order of a five-member panel, ordering Khan to submit an affidavit for the court’s consideration before the next court date, Oct. 3.
The court has postponed a decision to charge Khan, his lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, said.
Chaudhry told Reuters he expected the charges to now be mostly dropped.
“The court appreciated the gesture,” he said. “We will prepare and submit in writing an unconditional apology as requested by the court.”