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ATC rejects prosecution plea seeking Parvez Elahi’s physical remand

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ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday rejected the prosecution’s request seeking 10 physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi in the Federal Judicial Complex attack case. 

ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain sent the PTI leader to Adiala jail on a 14-day remand.

The PTI president was arrested hours after his release from NAB custody on September 1, after the LHC had explicitly restricted the authorities from arresting him earlier that same day. 

The September 1 order was a reiteration of similar orders issued by the high court on July 13, 2023. Elahi has been arrested and detained repeatedly since the May 9 riots. 

Elahi is accused of sending rioters to Islamabad to vandalise the judicial complex besides providing vehicles and batons for the same, the police claimed, adding that physical remand was being sought to question Elahi about unidentified criminals and recover vehicles.

Elahi was produced before the court today following the completion of his two-physical remand.

Opposing the prosecutor’s plea for extension in physical remand, Elahi’s counsel Sardar Abdul Razzaq told the judge that the PTI leader was nominated in the case only two days before his arrest and added that all cases against his client were politically motivated.

He told the court that Elahi joined the PTI in April this year and he was not part of the Imran Khan-led party when the party workers allegedly attacked the law enforcers outside the FJC on March 19.

Elahi’s other counsel Babar Awan also implored the court to discharge the case against his client, saying the prosecution had failed to provide an iota of evidence to establish his client’s involvement in the terror case.

“There is no jail left in Punjab where I have not been incarcerated,” Elahi told the judge while thanking him for inviting him to the rostrum.

Elahi said he was a cardiac patient and a stunt was implanted in his heart.

“Punjab Chief Minister [Mohsin Naqvi] is my relative but he is my bitter opponent,” he added.

To which, the judge responded: “Beware of the evil of the one you have been generous to.”

Meanwhile, Elahi’s counsel also filed an application to allow his family to meet him and be given home-cooked food in prison.

The judge also issued notices to the respondents for September 11 on Elahi’s bail application. 

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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