LHC reserves decision on PTI pleas against JIT formation

Court to decide on legality of JIT probing cases against PTI leaders involving attacks on law enforcers at Zaman Park

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court's larger bench, led by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, has reserved its decision on petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders challenging the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing cases involving attacks on law enforcement agencies and hooliganism outside PTI chief Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence.

As proceedings began on Friday, Additional Advocate General Ghulam Sarwar Nehang dismissed allegations that the JIT's formation was illegal, arguing that the procedure is available in the Constitution and all due processes were followed.

"Could the JIT work without rules?" asked Justice Tariq Saleem. The Additional Home Secretary assured the court that the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C) clearly outlines the JIT's procedure, adding that all due processes were followed.

The petitioner's counsel disputed the law officer's claims, arguing that no due process was followed in the JIT's formation. He also pointed out discrepancies in the notices' addresses, calling it a violation of the Constitution's essence.

Also read: LHC reserves verdict on PTI plea against JIT

Justice Tariq Saleem asked if the Additional Home Secretary could directly call the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to which he replied affirmatively. The law officer also clarified that the provincial government does not propose names for the JIT.

"This is the federal government's responsibility," he said.

Previously, the bench had denied PTI's request for interim relief by staying the investigation conducted by the JIT.

PTI claims that the incumbent government is lodging multiple FIRs against its leaders out of political animosity, and that police officials are unwilling to provide FIR details. The party has also accused specific officials of investigating agencies, including the IGP and CCPO Lahore, of involvement in the alleged murder of PTI worker Zille Shah.

PTI has requested the court to suspend the JIT's formation notification and restrain the team from functioning until a final decision is reached. Additionally, the party has asked the court to prevent the JIT from issuing further notices.