LHC Justice Alia Neelum withdraws order barring authorities from arresting Imran Khan

LAHORE, July 21 (SABAH): The Lahore High Court (LHC) withdrew on Friday its previous order restraining authorities from arresting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in all reported and undisclosed cases registered in Punjab.

The development come as Justice Alia Neelum heard a petition filed by the former prime minister to avoid his possible arrest. In the petition, he had also pleaded the high court to club all cases registered against him in the province.

During the hearing, PTI chief’s lawyer Intizar Hussain pleaded the court to grant some time as senior counsel was absent. He also requested the court to not withdraw the previous order.

However, Justice Alia Neelum took back the previous order that had barred the authorities from arrest the PTI chief. She later adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period.

Meanwhile an Anti-Terrorism Court on Friday extended the interim bail of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan till August 8 in five cases, including the attack on Jinnah House. The PTI chief appeared in the court after his interim bail expired.

Special prosecutor Farhad Ali Shah informed the court that the police have completed investigation and found the PTI Chairman guilty.

After hearing the arguments of the lawyers, the court extended the interim bail of PTI chief till August 8.

The PTI chief has been booked for the attack on Jinnah House, Askari Tower and Shadman police station. It has reserved decision on interim bail in Zile Shah murder and two rioting cases.

It may be recalled that violent protests followed PTI chief’s arrest on May 9 in which state property and military installations were attacked and damaged.