Apologies if I crossed any

red line, Imran tells IHC

The court satisfied with the apology tendered by the former prime minister

Shujaat Hamza/DNA

ISLAMABAD: In a surprise move, PTI Chairman Imran Khan finally apologised on Thursday before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) as the hearing started of a contempt of court case against him for controversial remarks about Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry during a rally in Islamabad on August 20. Imran Khan appeared before the court amid strict security.

The court was set to frame charges against the former prime minister during the hearing. However, Imran Khan offered an apology at the outset of the hearing. “I apologise if I crossed any line. It won’t happen again. I never intended to hurt the sentiments of the court,” Imran Khan said while assuring the court of never committing “such an act again,” Khan said.

He also requested the court to allow him to apologise to judge Zeba Chaudhry in person. At this, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said that the court is not framing charges against Imran Khan today.

“The court values your statement [given] before the court. You understood the gravity of your statement, we appreciate that,” IHC CJ Minallah said, directing the PTI chair to submit a written affidavit for what Khan said in court.

The court recorded his statement and adjourned the hearing till October 3.