LHC stops former Punjab CM Buzdar’s arrest till Thursday

Order passed on plea filed by Buzdar seeking details of FIRs registered against him in any part of Punjab

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh on Wednesday sought details of the FIRs against former Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, restraining the provincial Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) and Inspector General Police (IGP) from arresting him until May 4.

The order was passed after Buzdar filed a plea seeking details of the FIRs registered against him in any part of the province. The complainant has made DG ACE and IGP respondent to the case. The court has sought assistance from the Advocate General Punjab's office on the matter.

During proceedings today, Buzdar's counsel Barrister Momin Malik argued that his client was being subjected to political victimisation due to his association with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He said that the respondents had initiated various politically motivated inquiries against his client and converted them into "ghost FIRs" without informing him.

Barrister Momin argued that in response to Buzdar's earlier petitions, the ACE had submitted reports revealing that there were 13 inquiries initiated against him in DG Khan. However, it was noted that there was a silent addition of three more inquiries within a short span of two weeks.

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He further argued that his client's fundamental rights and freedom, as guaranteed under the Constitution, were being violated.

Barrister Momin requested the court to direct the respondent to produce details of the FIRs and to restrain them from arresting the former Punjab CM in the FIRs, if registered, and not disclosed till today.

The Lahore High Court has adjourned further hearing on the case until May 4.