LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday extended till Friday (tomorrow) the orders against police operation in Zaman Park to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in Thoshakhana case.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh of the LHC announced the verdict on plea moved by the PTI leaders seeking directives for the police to stop operation in Zaman Park.
The court put off further hearing till Friday (tomorrow).
Earlier in the day, the court had barred the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on Sunday [March 19].
“If you want to hold public gathering then seek permission 15 days before it,” Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh observed while hearing the case.
“Where is the petitioner? Why he is not here at 10:00 am,” Justice Sheikh further remarked, expressing annoyance over the attitude of PTI leader Fawad Chaudhary who later turned up before the court.
The judge also directed the PTI leaders to consult with the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police, Punjab, to hold public gathering.
The lawyer representing the PTI leader argued that all other political parties were holding public gatherings but the PTI was facing hurdles. He told the court that Section 144 could not be imposed after issuance of election schedule.
Fawad Chaudhary filed the petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the police operation and submitted that taking out rallies was their right but the authorities launched police operation and imposed Section 144 in the provincial capital.
The government barred the PTI from its political activities, they added.
They asked the court to stop the authorities concerned from operation against the PTI leaders and workers, allow them to hold their rallies and continue their political activities.
Clashes in Zaman Park:
Police launched an operation to disperse the PTI supporters who denied arrest of their party chief. Police fired tear gas shells and used water cannons as the PTI workers showed great resistance. The workers who looked quite motivated foiled the law enforcers’ third attempt to arrest Imran Khan. The workers also used petrol bombs and pelted stones at the police personnel. All the roads leading to Zaman Park were blocked, subsequently, the public suffered.
According to the reports, over 60 police personnel and several PTI workers were injured during the operation.
