-LHC instructs Punjab Police to ensure that the former Premier is treated as per the Law
-A five-member bench hears petition seeking to restrain authorities in Punjab from launching a Police operation at Zaman Park
-Ahead of proceedings, Imran Khan arrived at Court in high security
From Abid Usman
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday barred the Punjab police from “harassing” PTI Chairman Imran Khan, instructing them to ensure that the former premier was treated as per the law.
The orders were issued by a five-member bench as it took up Imran’s petition seeking to restrain authorities in Punjab from launching a police operation at his Zaman Park residence or arresting him on the basis of an “undisclosed” first information report (FIR) when the courts get closed.
The plea, filed by Barrister Salman Safdar and Advocate Azhar Siddique, was heard by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Aalia Neelum, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, Justice Anwaarul Haq Pannun and Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq.
Ahead of the proceedings, Imran arrived at the court. Videos showed the PTI chief surrounded by a number of guards who had covered his face with bulletproof shields.
At the outset of the hearing today, Imran’s lawyer Salman Safdar told the court that cases were being lodged against his client one after the other.
“80 cases have been registered against Imran Khan in Punjab only,” he said. “Courts can look into the ill-use of authority by police and we want the bench to do the same in this matter too.”
At that, Justice Najafi said that he had expressed displeasure over the situation outside Zaman Park earlier as well. The judge was referring to the three-day-long police action outside Imran’s residence last month. The operation had resulted in violent clashes between officials and PTI supporters, leaving dozens injured.
During the hearing yesterday, the PTI chief’s lawyer said that his client had received credible information regarding another operation outside Zaman Park during the Eid holidays. “Give us relief for five days,” he requested, saying that “for five days the doors of the court will be closed”.
“The doors of justice are never closed,” Justice Najafi replied. For his part, the Punjab government’s lawyer, Ghulam Sarwar, asked the PTI chairman to present evidence supporting his claim in court.
“The law is equal for everyone … this petition has been filed merely on the basis of concerns,” he said, pointing out that there was nothing on record regarding an operation.
Sarwar went on to say that the law would take its course if a criminal act was done.
“Can you give a statement that no action will be taken in old cases [registered against Imran?” Justice Sheikh asked, to which the lawyer replied that action in cases in which legal proceedings were underway would continue.
“Let’s ask the same question from you in another way … will you let them [Imran] celebrate Eid at home?” Justice Najafi inquired.
Sarwar replied that a joint investigation team had been formed to probe cases against Imran and it could not be stopped from working.
Here, Justice Neelum said: “You cannot even touch the petitioner if he is on bail … we are not asking you to stop any legal proceedings.”
The lawyer then assured the court that legal proceedings could not be resumed in cases in which bail had been granted, adding that the police would only act as per the law.
“We are saying the same that nothing against the law should be done,” Justice Neelum stressed.
Meanwhile, Justice Rafiq said that as per the law investigation in a case could be halted if there was no fear regarding the suspect absconding. “This authority only lies with the investigation officer,” the lawyer replied.
At one point during the hearing, the PTI chief came to the rostrum. He said that he hadn’t broken a single law in his life yet hundreds of cases had been registered against him. “Khan sahab, we have heard these things before say something new,” Justice Najafi said.
PTI chief then stated that the Punjab police had attacked his house even after Justice Sheikh of the LHC had stopped them. “From what their lawyer is saying, it is confirmed that they [the Punjab government] will attack Zaman Park again.
“Sir, has this ever happened before? My house was attacked for 26 hours,” Imran recalled. However, Justice Najafi remarked that “we don’t think an operation will take place in the [upcoming] five to six days”.
“Whatever happens, if it does, will be as per the law,” the Punjab government’s lawyer said here, to which Justice Neelam said that such statements increased the concerns of the petitioner.
The court then reserved its verdict on Imran’s and later stopped the police from “harassing” Imran. The proceedings have been adjourned till May 2.
