Parvez Elahi appeared before an anti-terrorism court in the case related to the attack on the judicial complex, but his request for physical remand was denied, and he was instead sent to jail on judicial remand.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain presided over the proceedings. The police had previously held former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi in custody for a 2-day physical remand, but they sought an additional 10 days.
During the court session, Parvez Elahi’s lawyer argued that this case had political motives. He pointed out that Parvaiz Elahi was not a member of PTI when the incident occurred on March 18. Initially, the FIR filed on March 18 implicated PTI leaders and activists, and Parvez Elahi was acquitted in an unrelated corruption case. Despite this, he was detained in this case.
The lawyer informed the court that the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore issued an order for Parvez Elahi’s detention when there seemed to be no other recourse. Subsequently, NAB (National Accountability Bureau) arrested him. The Lahore High Court then issued a clear order preventing his arrest in any other cases and ordered Lahore Police to provide him with security and return him home. However, while en route, Islamabad police apprehended him.
Parvez Elahi’s lawyer further added that the Islamabad High Court had suspended the arrest order, but he was later arrested in connection with this case when leaving the police facility.
Abdul Razzaq, another lawyer representing Parvez Elahi, argued that if there is substantial evidence, the prosecution should request physical remand. Parvez Elahi was added to the case six months after its initiation. He urged the court to dismiss the case, emphasizing Parvez Elahi’s contributions to Pakistan. Notably, Chairman of PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi and others had their bail confirmed in this case, making the argument for Parvez Elahi’s discharge.
During the proceedings, PTI leader and lawyer Babar Awan also arrived in the courtroom. Parvez Elahi expressed his intention to be discharged, and Babar Awan warmly hugged him.
After Sardar Abdul Razaq’s arguments, Babar Awan began his presentation. He read the FIR in court and questioned the absence of evidence against Parvez Elahi to label him a terrorist in a case dating back to March. He asserted that the prosecution lacked any substantial evidence against Parvez Elahi and requested his discharge.
Judge Abul Hasnat Zul-Qarnain recited a poem during Babar Awan’s arguments:
“This is the destiny’s decree, timeless and unchanging, The penalty for weakness is death.”
Tahir Kazim, another advocate in the court, argued that discussions about arrests in Punjab should not be associated with this case, as Punjab is not within their jurisdiction. Parvez Elahi was accused of facilitating the incident and providing financial support, including digital transactions.
The court inquired about the progress of the 2-day investigation, to which the police responded that they had examined the vehicles involved.
Ultimately, the anti-terrorism court rejected the police’s request for an additional 10-day physical remand and ordered Parvez Elahi to be held on judicial remand, transferring him to Adiala Jail with permission to meet his family.
Judge Abul Hasnat Zul-Qarnain offered words of encouragement to Parvez Elahi, urging him to have faith in Allah. The court also scheduled a notice for the following Monday at Parvez Elahi’s request.
During this exchange, Parvez Elahi mentioned that the Chief Minister of Punjab is his close relative and is against him, to which the judge advised him to avoid harming those he has helped.