Lahore – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed petitions in the Lahore High Court challenging the anti-terrorism court’s decision to grant physical remand in 12 cases. According to Dawn News, these petitions were filed through Barrister Salman Safdar.
In his petitions, Imran Khan argued that the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court failed to properly review the records before granting the physical remand. He emphasized that he is currently in jail and that the police have already conducted their investigation. Imran Khan contended that the law was not adequately considered when the remand was granted. Imran Khan has requested the Lahore High Court to annul the physical remand orders in all 12 cases.
This development follows the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court’s decision on July 15 to grant a 10-day remand in connection with 12 cases dating back to May 9. The physical remand pertains to five cases registered at Sarwar Road Police Station, three cases at Gulberg Police Station, and one case each at Race Course Police Station, Shadman Police Station, Mughalpura Police Station, and Model Town Police Station.
On May 9, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was arrested from the Islamabad High Court premises about the Al-Qadir Trust case. Following his arrest, nationwide protests erupted. PTI supporters torched military, civil, and private installations, causing extensive damage to public and private property. The protests resulted in at least eight deaths and 290 injuries.
During these demonstrations, protesters stormed the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, known as Jinnah House, and breached a gate at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. In response, law enforcement agencies arrested 1,900 individuals involved in the violence, vandalism, and arson. Cases have been filed against Imran Khan and his party workers as a result of these events. The legal actions are part of the government’s broader efforts to address the violence and destruction that occurred during the protests.
Imran Khan’s legal team is arguing that the decision to grant physical remand was hasty and lacked proper legal basis. They claim that the court did not consider the comprehensive investigation already conducted by the police. The petitions suggest that the remand was unnecessary and that Imran Khan’s rights were overlooked in the process.
The former prime minister’s challenge in the Lahore High Court is a significant development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding his arrest and the subsequent nationwide unrest. The outcome of these petitions could have substantial implications for both Imran Khan and his political party. Observers are closely watching the Lahore High Court’s response to Imran Khan’s petitions. The court’s decision will not only affect Imran Khan’s immediate legal situation but could also influence the broader political landscape in Pakistan. The PTI, which has a substantial following, is likely to continue its protests and legal actions in response to Khan’s arrest and the charges against its members.
The Lahore High Court’s handling of this case will be critical in determining the future course of legal proceedings against Imran Khan and his party. It remains to be seen whether the court will uphold the anti-terrorism court’s decision or side with Khan’s arguments against the physical remand. As the situation unfolds, the legal and political ramifications will be closely monitored by both national and international observers. Imran Khan’s challenge marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of his contentious relationship with the current government and the judiciary.
In the coming days, the Lahore High Court’s decisions will be pivotal in shaping the next steps for Imran Khan and the PTI. The legal battle continues, with significant consequences for Pakistan’s political dynamics.
