Politics

LHC throws out Imran Khan’s protective bail plea in ECP protest case

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

LAHORE: As Imran Khan failed to appear in person before the Lahore High Court (LHC), it rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman’s plea seeking protective bail in a case registered against him over protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office.

The LHC announced the verdict as the PTI chief did not appear before the court even after multiple adjournments today.

Khan moved the high court after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad cancelled his bail in the same case a day earlier over non-appearance.

The ousted prime minister, who was removed from power via a no-confidence move, was booked in the case in October last year after the Toshakhana verdict was announced by the ECP, sparking countrywide protests. Khan had been on bail on medical grounds after he was injured in an assassination attempt in Wazirabad during a rally on November 3.

Today’s hearing

At the outset of the hearing, Advocate Azhar Siddique submitted his power of attorney on behalf of Imran Khan who was directed to appear before the court in person today.

“A meeting with Imran Khan’s doctors is going on and the party has concerns over his security,” the lawyer argued before the court and requested additional time.

“How much time do you need?” asked Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh.

To this query, the counsel said that they will try their best to ensure Imran Khan’s presence in two hours.

After hearing this, the court adjourned the hearing till 12:30pm.

Once the hearing resumed, Siddique’s associate requested more time. The court then adjourned the hearing till 2pm.

When the hearing resumed again, the counsel told the court that another bail plea has been filed. He also shared that they had met the doctors and are ready to follow court orders. The lawyer also told the court that the doctor of the former prime minister was also present in the court.

However, Justice Sheikh said that they do not want to hear from the doctor. “Imran Khan must appear in court,” he remarked.

The counsel then asked the court to wait for the other bail plea that was being filed.

“There is no need to wait for it, present your arguments on the current petition,” asked Justice Sheikh.

The lawyer then told the judge that he wants to withdraw the current petition.

At this, Justice Sheikh remarked the problem is that there are different signs of Imran Khan on the affidavit and power of attorney.

“How can the signatures be different?” asked the court.

Khan’s lawyer then asked the court to give him time to look into the matter.

“You look at it right now. Someone tried to commit fraud, I will issue contempt of court notice to you or Imran Khan,” remarked Justice Sheikh. He added that he will not allow the petition to be taken back till the issue is resolved.

“I will have to take instructions from Imran Khan on this,” responded Siddique.

The court then took notice of the different signatures and adjourned the hearing till 6:30 pm.

Latest News

MQM-P seeks the chairmanship of standing committees

Published

14 hours ago

Farwa

According to people familiar with the case, a MQM-P team met with Sindh Assembly Speaker Qadir Shah and Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar.

During the meeting, the provincial assembly’s standing committees were discussed, and MQM-P demanded that 14 standing committees be chaired by them.

The gathering focussed on discussions about the formation of standing committees within the provincial assembly. It was revealed that MQM-P advocated for the appointment of chairmanships to 14 standing committees.

The MQM-P has prioritized the Standing Committees on Interior, Education, Health, Finance, Industries, and KMC, submitting a list to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leadership.

According to sources, the PPP has sought time to reflect on the situation and respond after conferring with senior leadership.

Meanwhile, the MQM claimed that as the second-largest party in the House, they should be given chairmanship of the 14 standing committees.

Latest News

Fazlur Rehman supports the consensus between JUI-F and PTI.

Published

14 hours ago

Farwa

In an interview with a private news channel, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that the two parties’ divisions were’mountain-sized’. “The PTI delegation has arrived, and we have welcomed them in accordance with our traditions,” Maulana Fazalur Rehman said.

The JUI-F president stated that resolving their disputes with the PTI would be beneficial. “If not, every political party has its stance and opinion,” he added.

Maulana Fazalur Rehman stated that the PTI team suggested settling various concerns, to which both parties agreed.

He stated that one or two PTI members make ‘inappropriate’ statements against the JUI-F, and that those words are not taken seriously.

“We consider solely the delegation liable because they stated that they were dispatched by the PTI founder. We shall keep to our stand as long as they do not violate it.” Maulana Fazalur Rehman

He claimed that the JUI-F has never offended anyone and will not do so in the future. The JUI-F president stated unequivocally that their million-man march on May 9 had nothing to do with the tragedy.

Earlier on May 2, Maulana Fazlur Rehman disputed the results of the general elections and sought new ones, citing ‘widespread rigging and anomalies’.

Speaking to a crowd in Karachi, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that assemblies had been’sold’. “Sindh Assembly and President House were also sold,” said the official.

The JUI-F chief requested quick re-elections to ensure the democratic process’s integrity.

“The recent elections were fake, and its results are unacceptable,” he continued. The JUI leader called new elections to ensure that the people’s voices are heard and their mandates are respected.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the federal government’s foreign policy, particularly its position against Israel and Palestine. “We are being punished for supporting Palestine and opposing Israel,” he declared.

Latest News

Salim Haider’s inauguration as Punjab governor will be attended by Bilawal.

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

Punjab governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan, the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), will take the oath of office today (Tuesday).

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Governor’s House, according to sources. Chief Justice Sardar Salim Haider of the Lahore High Court (LHC) will administer the oath.

The leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Punjab cabinet members, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and PPP leaders will be present at the oath-taking event.

The ceremony to take the oath of office was originally slated for Sunday, May 5, but it was postponed for two days due to the absence of the current governor, Balighur Rehman. The PPP leaders had been asked by the PML-N to reschedule the event by two days.