Elahi’s remand extended in vandalism case

Senior politician reaffirms loyalty to party, says 'will not leave PTI'

ISLAMABAD:

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended the judicial remand of former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi till October 24 in connection with the Federal Judicial Complex violence case.

The hearing, originally scheduled to be presided over by ATC judge Abul Hasnaat Zulqarnain, took place before Judge Shahrukh Arjumand due to Zulqarnain's leave.

Elahi was produced at the Federal Judicial Complex in Islamabad, where Judge Shahrukh Arjumand heard his case in the absence of ATC judge Abul Hasnaat Zulqarnain.

The ATC staff informed that only the extension of Elahi's judicial has to be extended, and the investigation officer confirmed the submission of a challan and notice for the senior politician.

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The judge suggested scheduling Parvez Elahi's next hearing date alongside the co-accused. However, Elahi and his lawyer objected to the proposed date of October 24, as he was also required to appear in a Lahore court.

However, the judge finalised October 24 as the date for the next hearing.

'Will not leave PTI'

During the proceedings, the police attempted to prevent Elahi from using his phone in the courtroom, at which the senior politician claimed to have obtained permission from the judge to do so.

During media interactions following the hearing, Elahi, who is also the president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, stating that he would not leave despite facing prison time.

When asked about a message exchange between him and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Adiala jail, Elahi denied any suggestions regarding ticket distribution and highlighted alleged mistreatment, sub-standard food, and lack of facilities in jail.

Elahi expressed his disappointment that the judge had visited Khan's cell in Adiala Jail but had not visited his. He also addressed the absence of his sons during this troubled time, stating that he had no issues and was in good health.