LAHORE , May 2, 2023: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday directed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan to join investigations of 121 cases registered against him.
Imran reached the LHC amid tight security to appear before a larger bench hearing the petition. The bench is headed by Justice Ali Baqer Najafi and includes Justice Alia Neelam, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, Justice Anwarul Haq and Justice Amjad Rafiq.
Imran’s counsel Salman Safdar told the court that his client would join the investigation on Friday. On it, the court directed him to join the police investigation at 2 pm on Friday.
The court also directed the Punjab government to complete investigations and submit a complete report of cases by May 8.
The court asked the Punjab government representative that there was no case against Imran till the age of 71. As soon as he was removed from the office of prime minister, more than 100 cases were registered against him. Isn’t it an attempt to stop Imran from contesting elections, the court questioned?
It may be noted that 31 cases have been registered against Imran in Islamabad, 30 in Lahore, 14 in Faisalabad, 10 in Rawalpindi, six in Bhakkar, five in Bahawalpur, four each in Rahim Yar Khan and Attock, three each in Sheikhupura and Jhelum, two each in Chakwal and Gujranwala and one each in Quetta, Karachi, Wazirabad, Narowal, Multan, Bahawalnagar and Mianwali.
The state counsel said that the petitioner was seeking additional relief from the court because he had been a prime minister, chief of a political party and won the World Cup.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh observed that this practice [of implicating in false cases] should be stopped. Even those who have been sentenced to death have rights, he added.
Justice Ali Baqir asked the state counsel how many cases have been registered against him and what are their status? The lawyer replied that Imran did not join investigation in any case.
Justice Alia Neelam remarked that you take bail for joining investigation. We give you time, join investigation in all cases.
She asked the public prosecutor that summons were sent to the petitioner but they were not allowed to be complied with. Isn’t it obstructing the law, she added.
Justice Neelam observed that another FIR was registered for not receiving the summons.
She asked Imran’s counsel that whether no police officer was injured when the warrant was served on the petitioner. The lawyer expressed his ignorance. On it Justice Neelam observed that the matter should be investigated.
Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh said that it was necessary to appear before an investigating officer.
Justice Alia Neelam said that a new FIR was filed because you don’t let them reach you.
Barrister Salman said Imran would join investigation if done through video link.
The public prosecutor said that the state act according to the criminal code and the law.
Imran came to the rostrum and requested for four minutes to present his case.
He said that a bid was made on his life in Wazirabad. He had prior information of that and made it public. Later, another attempt was made on him in Islamabad.
Imran expressed the fear a third attempt would be made to assassinate him. No security has been given to him. He has to risk his life to appear before courts and not running away from cases.
Justice Ali Baqir Najafi told the PTI chairman to trust the court.
He questioned Barrister Salman ever since the case came up before the larger bench, has there been a new FIR against him. The lawyer replied in negative.
Later, the Lahore High Court adjourned the hearing till Monday.
Case fixation
The LHC on Saturday fixed Imran’s petition for hearing on May 2.
It may be recalled that the PTI chairman has stated multiple times that more than 100 cases have been filed against him. He approached the LHC and filed plea to get bail in cases.
The petition named the Federation of Pakistan, the province of Punjab, Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar, the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment director general, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Punjab caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as respondents.
The petition stated that the purpose of the “false accusations” was “patently mala fide, to disqualify, arrest, or convict” him (Imran) and “eliminate him from the political arena by any means necessary”.
The petition filed against Imran Khan by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) alleged that his failure to disclose gifts he received from the Toshakhana violated the law. The petition will be heard at the next hearing where both sides will submit their arguments on its admissibility.
According to the petition, the attack on the fundamental rights of the country’s largest political party is of an extraordinary nature and has resulted in violations of various rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including the rights to life and liberty, fair trial, dignity, the privacy of home, movement, assembly, association, speech, and equal treatment.
The petition claimed that the criminal cases against Imran are one of the many tools of persecution being used to silence him, suppress his support, and deny his fundamental rights. The cases were filed against him and the PTI, which is the current government’s electoral rival. The petition argued that due to this rivalry, the state machinery is trying to stall Imran’s public life and personal liberty.