Imran nominates Panjutha as substitute for court hearings

PTI chief gives lawyer authority to record statements, file petitions, appeals and intra-court appeals in all courts

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Saturday prepared a “special” power of attorney, nominating lawyer Naeem Panjutha as his substitute for court proceedings.

According to the power of attorney, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, Panjutha has the authority to file petitions, appeals and intra-court appeals in all courts.

Furthermore, the lawyer also has the authority to record a statement in court on the former prime minister’s behalf.

Imran has maintained in the power of attorney that that due to personal engagements as party chief, he cannot appear in court in civil and criminal cases.

Read Toshakhana case: Court dismisses Imran's warrant cancellation plea

‘Politically motivated’ cases

Imran, who was ousted from power via opposition’s no-trust motion in April last year, is facing what he described a slew of “politically motivated” cases ranging from money laundering to terrorism.

It was reported in March that a record 130 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against the former prime minister and his other party leaders.

The FIRs were registered by the Punjab and Islamabad police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

According to the records, out of a total of 130 FIRs, 35 were registered against Imran.

The Punjab police registered a total of 84 FIRs against the PTI leadership and workers but nominated Imran Khan in six. Islamabad police registered 43 FIRs against party workers, with 28 against Imran and the FIA registered three FIRs with Imran mentioned in one.