[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]In a significant development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued an immediate release order for Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, the Central President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and has also prohibited his arrest in any present or future cases. This decision was made during a hearing at the LHC, with Justice Amjad Rafiq presiding over a petition challenging the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s arrest of Elahi. The arrest was related to allegations of receiving bribes or kickbacks in exchange for securing contracts for road projects in the Gujrat Highways Division.
Following the hearing, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi criticized the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) in a media statement. He blamed the PML-N for economic troubles and rising inflation whenever they were in power, often fleeing the country and seeking refuge in London during such times. He also mentioned that even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had suggested holding elections.
Read more : Parvez Elahi Transferred to Adiala Jail
During the court proceedings, the judge instructed NAB to produce Chaudhry Parvez Elahi within an hour. In response, NAB’s Lahore chapter presented Elahi before the court, implementing stringent security measures.
During the hearing, Justice Amjad Rafiq inquired about the status of the intra-court appeal to the NAB prosecutor, who claimed ignorance. In response, the judge ordered Parvez Elahi’s release and expressed concern that it indicated Elahi had not been presented. The NAB lawyer cited threats to Elahi’s life and alleged non-cooperation from the Punjab Government regarding security matters.
The lawyer representing the Punjab government explained the security concerns, stating that Punjab Police were currently engaged in an operation in the Kutch area, with their bullet-proof armored vehicle in use there. The NAB prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the situation, and Justice Amjad Rafiq expressed concern, stating that judges should not be treated as accused individuals.
He issued instructions for the government to produce Parvez Elahi in court within one hour and allowed the Director-General of NAB to issue an arrest warrant if necessary, should the government fail to cooperate with NAB.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
