In a recent development, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) has ordered the incarceration of PTI President Parvez Elahi for a 14-day judicial remand. This decision comes in relation to a case stemming from the tumultuous events of March 18, where clashes erupted between police and PTI workers outside the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC). These clashes occurred during the appearance of PTI Chairman Imran Khan at the FJC for a hearing related to the Toshakhana case.
Elahi’s recent arrest took place on September 5, soon after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had suspended his detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance, directing his release. However, on September 8, Elahi was presented before the ATC at the FJC, where the police requested a 14-day physical remand, while his legal team sought his exoneration from the case. Ultimately, the ATC granted the police a two-day physical remand for the PTI president.
During the latest hearing, Elahi appeared before ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, accompanied by his legal representatives Sardar Abdur Razzaq, Babar Awan, and Ali Bukhari. Prosecutor Tahir Kazim also participated in the proceedings.
The prosecutor pressed for an extension of Elahi’s physical remand by another 10 days, while his lawyers reiterated their plea to have him discharged from the case. However, both requests were rejected by the ATC, which subsequently ordered a 14-day judicial remand for the former Punjab chief minister. Elahi is set to appear before the court again on September 22, with the investigation officer directed to provide a report on the matter.
In response to the ruling, Elahi’s legal team filed a bail application, prompting the ATC to issue notices to the respondents for a response by September 11. Additionally, the lawyers submitted a handwritten request to the court, seeking permission for Elahi’s family to visit him in jail and for him to receive home-cooked meals due to medical reasons. The court granted approval for these requests.
The legal battle surrounding Parvez Elahi’s case has been marked by several twists and turns. Notably, his lawyers argued that the FIR related to the March 18 events did not mention Elahi’s name. They contended that their client had joined the PTI in April, well after the clashes occurred in March. Furthermore, they emphasized that a high court had previously stated that a political case had been manufactured against Elahi, leading to his release. However, he was re-arrested by Gujranwala police, despite a judicial magistrate’s order for his release. The legal team also pointed out that other prominent PTI figures, including Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, had been granted bail in the same case.
As the legal proceedings continue, Parvez Elahi’s case remains a focal point of attention, reflecting the complexities of the Pakistani political landscape.