LHC restrains police from ‘harassing’ Imran

IHC grants interim bail to PTI chairman in eight FIRs till May 3

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court on Tuesday restrained the police from “harassing” Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan during the Eidul Fitr holidays (April 21 to 25) on a petition filed by the former prime minister stating that there was “credible information” about an “attack” at his Zaman Park residence during the said period.

On Monday, a division bench, headed by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, had referred the matter of stopping the quarters concerned from taking action against Imran to LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti for the formation of a larger bench.

A five-member larger bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Aalia Neelum, Justice Tariq, Justice Anwaarul Haq Pannum and Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq took up Imran’s petition filed by his counsels, Barrister Salman Safdar and Advocate Azhar Siddique. The PTI chief was also present in the court.

As the proceedings began, Justice Najafi remarked: “We do not see anything urgent in this request, but we have seen a very sad situation outside Zaman Park in the recent past.”

Barrister Safdar argued that one case after another was being registered against Imran. “Eighty cases have been registered against Imran Khan in Punjab,” Safdar said, urging the court to stop the misuse of police powers.

“We have received information that an operation may take place during the Eid holidays,” he added. “Give us relief for five days as the courts and the doors of justice will be closed till then.”

Justice Najafi said, “The doors of justice are never closed.”

The public prosecutor said, “The petitioner (Imran) is seeking such relief based only on apprehensions.” As per reports, the prosecutor said, no operation plan had been made so far, but joint information teams have been formed in various cases to enforce the law. “If any evidence comes forward, institutions will take action.”

Justice Alia remarked, “If the petitioners are on bail, you cannot touch them. You will not do anything during Eid days.”

Imran came to the rostrum and said, “I am now confirmed by his (prosecutor’s) words that they (quarters concerned) will take action.”

Citing the example when he submitted surety bond and went to Islamabad, but the police conducted a raid at his house, Imran said, “I know they are going to attack my house [again].”

Justice Pannum said, “Everyone does violence when their turn comes … Eid is an opportunity to embrace each other.”

Imran said, “This nation has known me for 50 years.”

Justice Najafi said, “We have heard these words of yours many times. We want you to say something new and give the nation a plan for the future.”

While passing the judgment on the petition, the larger bench restrained the police from harassing Imran and directed that the petitioner will be dealt with according to the law till the hearing of the case in the light of the statement of the Punjab government’s counsel.

The LHC rejected Imran Khan's plea for an early hearing, adjourning the hearing till May 2.

Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of the PTI chairman till May 3 in eight FIRs regarding rioting and vandalising at the Federal Judicial Complex.

A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the bail cases. Imran Khan's lawyer Faisal Chaudhry Advocate said that his client was ready to come Islamabad for appearing before the court but he had to attend proceedings at the LHC.

The lawyer prayed the court to extend the interim bail of Imran till the first week of May.

The IHC accepted the request of Imran for one-time exemption and extended his interim bail till May 3.

(With additional input from our correspondent in Islamabad)