The LHC prevents the police from ‘harassing’ the protesters. The Imran IHC has granted the chairman of the PTI interim bail in eight FIRs until May 3.
Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, petitioned the Lahore High Court on Tuesday, claiming that there was “credible information” about a “attack” at his Zaman Park residence during the Eidul Fitr holidays (April 21 to 25). The court then prohibited the police from “harassing” Khan during that time period.
On Monday, a division bench led by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh had requested that LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti convene a larger bench in order to discuss the issue of preventing the parties in question from pursuing action against Imran.
Imran’s plea was taken up by a five-member bigger bench made up of Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Aalia Neelum, Justice Tariq, Justice Anwaarul Haq Pannum, and Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq, who was represented by attorneys Salman Safdar and Azhar Siddique. The PTI leader was also in the courtroom.
Justice Najafi said, “We do not see anything urgent in this request, but we have seen a very sad situation outside Zaman Park in the recent past.” as the hearing got underway.
Attorney Safdar contended that Imran was the target of a number of other cases. Safdar informed the court that “80 cases have been registered against Imran Khan in Punjab,” pleading with it to halt the abuse of police authority.
He continued, “We have learned that such operation may happen during the Eid holidays. Give us some relief for five days, since until then the courts and the doors to justice will be shut.
According to Justice Najafi, “The doors of justice are never closed.”
According to the public prosecutor, “The petitioner (Imran) is seeking such relief based only on apprehensions.” The prosecutor stated that according to reports, no operation plan had been created thus far, but collaborative information teams had been established in a number of cases to uphold the law. “Institutions will act if any evidence is presented.”
If the petitioners are out on bail, you cannot touch them, said Justice Alia. You won’t do anything on the days of Eid.
“I am now confirmed by his (the prosecutor’s) words that they (the concerned quarters) will take action,” Imran added as he approached the podium.
Imran said, “I know they are going to attack my house [again],” using the instance of when he provided a bail bond and traveled to Islamabad but the police raided his home.
Everyone uses violence when it’s their turn, according to Justice Pannum. We should all embrace one another on Eid.
Imran declared, “This nation has known me for 50 years.”
We have heard these things from you before, Justice Najafi said. We want you to express something novel and present the country with a future strategy.
When ruling on the petition, the larger bench ordered that Imran not be harassed by the police and that he be treated legally up until the hearing of the case in light of the lawyer for the Punjab government’s testimony.
Imran Khan’s request for an early hearing was denied by the LHC, and the hearing was postponed until May 2.
Separately, on Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted the PTI chairman’s temporary bail in eight FIRs involving rioting and vandalism at the Federal Judicial Complex till May 3.
The bail cases were heard by a two-judge panel that included Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. Imran Khan’s attorney, Faisal Chaudhry Advocate, stated that although his client was prepared to appear before the court in Islamabad, he had to attend events at the LHC.
Imran’s temporary bail should be extended by the court until the first week of May, the attorney requested.
Imran’s appeal for a one-time exception was granted by the IHC, and his provisional release was postponed until May 3.
