Lahore High Court suspends order barring authorities from arresting Chaudhry Parvez Elahi in undisclosed cases

LAHORE, July 17 (SABAH): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday suspended a single-bench’s decision that had barred the authorities from arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President and former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and comprising Justice Alia Neelum announced the ruling on an intra-court petition filed by the Punjab government against the single-bench’s verdict.

Issuing notice to the parties concerned, the bench has adjourned the case till August 1.

On July 14, the single bench of the high court prohibited the authorities from arresting the former Punjab chief minister in any undisclosed case.

The court while delivering verdict had ordered police and the Anti-Corruption Establishment not to arrest the accused in any undisclosed case against him. Justice Amjad Rafique had passed the order in a case seeking details of cases against the PTI stalwart.

Meanwhile, the LHC disposed of a petition filed by Parvez Elahi against his detention for 30 days under 3MPO after he withdrew it.

During the hearing, his lawyer Amir Saeed said his client had secured bail in all cases, adding that the former CM had not been released despite filing of surety bonds. He argued that the detention order was issued on malafide intentions.

At which, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi inquired if he had submitted an application to the deputy commission against the detention order. He, then, directed him to approach the deputy commissioner.

How many days will you take to decide on the application? The judge questioned the government lawyer. He said the decision would be made in ten days.

At which, Parvez Elahi’s lawyer withdrew the petition and subsequently, the court disposed of the case.

A day earlier, the Lahore DC issued the notification stating that Parvez Elahi would remain in custody at the Camp Jail Lahore for a period of 30 days in order to prevent public disorder.

The notification mentioned two cases had been registered against Parvez Elahi in Qila Gujjar Singh police station under serious provisions, including attempted murder and one case had been registered in the Ghalib Market police station under terrorism provisions.

The notification said there were three cases against Parvez Elahi, who is a leader of PTI, who may harm law and order. It said Elahi was also wanted by police in these cases.

It said action was being taken as he may cause disturbance of law and order and should be detained. The action was taken on the recommendations of the district government, District Intelligence Committee and police. The notification was issued at the request of the capital city police.