In a recent development in the case related to the March 18 riots outside the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC), an Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) has sent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The decision came after a hearing at the ATC on Wednesday.
The March 18 incident was marked by clashes between the police and PTI workers during a hearing for the Toshakhana case, where PTI Chairman Imran Khan was present at the FJC.
Parvez Elahi’s arrest in this case took place on September 5, following the suspension of his detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The IHC had directed his release, but subsequent events led to his re-arrest.
During the recent ATC hearing, Elahi was presented before Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, with lawyers Sardar Abdur Razzaq, Babar Awan, and Ali Bukhari representing him. Prosecutor Tahir Kazim was also present.
The prosecutor requested a 10-day extension of Elahi’s physical remand, while his lawyers urged the court to release him from the case. However, both requests were denied by the ATC. Instead, the court ordered a 14-day judicial remand for the former Punjab chief minister, with a directive for him to be produced before the court on September 22. The investigation officer was also instructed to provide a report on the matter.
Subsequently, Parvez Elahi’s lawyers filed a bail plea in court, and notices were issued to the respondents, with responses expected by September 11.
Furthermore, Elahi’s legal team requested permission for his family to visit him in jail and to provide him with home-cooked food due to medical reasons, which the court approved.
During the hearing, the defense argued that the FIR (First Information Report) related to the March 18 events did not mention Parvez Elahi’s name. They emphasized that their client had joined the PTI in April, a month after the clashes occurred.
The defense also referenced previous court orders that suggested a political case had been made against Elahi and ordered his release. They highlighted the lack of evidence against him, questioning the basis for his arrest and detention.
On the other hand, the prosecutor argued that Parvez Elahi had provided support, including vehicles, personnel, and financial assistance, during the March 18 events. He insisted that these allegations needed to be investigated.
In response to the arguments presented, the ATC decided against extending Elahi’s physical remand, instead sending him to Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand.
Read more: ATC Approves Two-Day Physical Remand for PTI President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi
This latest development in the case is part of a series of arrests and re-arrests involving Parvez Elahi in various legal matters. The FIR against him in this case includes multiple charges under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The legal proceedings continue, with Parvez Elahi’s legal team actively defending their client’s rights and challenging the grounds for his arrest and detention. The case has garnered significant attention, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
