[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) announced on Thursday that its order banning operations at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) head Imran Khan’s Zaman Park mansion in Lahore would remain in effect until March 17. (tomorrow).
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh made the written ruling and, at the request of the parties’ lawyers, delayed the matter till tomorrow.
A day earlier, Justice Sheikh had ordered that the Zaman Park operation be halted until the Islamabad High Court issued its ruling on the former prime minister and PTI chief’s non-bailable arrest warrant.
The LHC order came at a time when Islamabad Police, supported by Punjab Police and Rangers, had started efforts to arrest the ex-premier in connection with the Toshkhana case, which had begun on Tuesday. Imran has repeatedly avoided indictment, prompting the judge to issue a non-bailable arrest order for him.
They were met with violent opposition from PTI workers, who flung stones at them. The police retaliated with tear gas canisters.
After an hours-long standoff, portrayed by foreign media as “pitched fights,” the personnel returned to Mall Road and cleared out.
However, citing the present law and order situation, the LHC barred the PTI leadership from staging a demonstration at Minar-e-Pakistan.
Judge Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the hearing and noted that the existing scenario in the provincial capital has “tarnished the image of Pakistan around the world”.
In addition, Justice Sheikh ordered that if a rally procession is to be held, the authorities should be notified at least 15 days in advance so that necessary security arrangements can be made.
Meanwhile, the LHC judge also directed the PTI leadership to hold a meeting with Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar and the additional chief secretary to reach a consensus over their concerns that include “implementation of the former prime minister’s non-bailable arrest warrant, security plan and imposition of Section 144”.
The court was hearing many petitions, including requests for a “safe passage” for Imran to visit LHC, protective bail in various FIRs, and an end to the “atrocities” committed by police personnel against the PTI head, his political party and its leadership, and the general population at Zaman Park.
As the hearing began today, Judge Sheikh asked if the petitioner was present. PTI counsel Advocate Azhar Siddique responded by informing the court that he is on his way and will arrive in a few minutes.
Irked at the statement, Justice Sheikh replied “this is how serious you people are, when this court fixed this matter for 10am then you should have reached on time”.
Also Read: PTI moves LHC for Imran’s protective bail as arrest comes closer
The judge stated that neither the petitioner nor the respondent sides are entirely aware of the law, and that neither party can reach an agreement until the law is carefully reviewed.
“The solution is there, but neither party is serious about going through the books,” said the LHC judge.
After thereafter, Justice Sheikh questioned PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry about the security situation.
To this, the PTI leader stated that security has become a severe issue, adding that “there is a hundred per cent threat to Imran in Islamabad’s G-8 court and the competent authorities have been conveyed about the same”.
Advocate General Punjab Shan Gull argued against the petitioner’s arguments.
Furthermore, the IGP Punjab stated that the troops stationed to Zaman Park was unarmed, yet they were viciously attacked by PTI workers, who threw petrol bombs at them.
Anwar stated that the police are willing to work with the PTI to resolve the concerns because the police do not want a “no-go zone” in the provincial capital.
The LHC judge then delayed the case until March 17.
During this week, the former prime minister announced a March 19 power show at Miner-e-Pakistan (Sunday).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
