The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its verdict on the petition filed by former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, seeking cancellation of his non-bailable arrest warrants issued in Toshakhana reference, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Amir Farooq heard the case.

IHC CJ said that respect for courts was very important. “This should never happen that a law treats people differently,” he said, adding, “For us it is extremely important that a law treats all and sundry alike.”

The chief justice went on to say that a court order stayed unless it was declared null and void. “What is happening in Lahore? Which face of Pakistan are we showing to the world,” he said, adding, “We used to hear such kind of incidents happen in tribal areas.”

“Are we telling to the world that there will be no implementation on the laws of the land?” the CJ questioned. 

He said there should be implementation on courts’ verdicts; be it Supreme Court, a high court or a lower court. 

CJ Farooq remarked that in this case, there was no need for a remand. “The suspect has only to be arrested and produced in court,” he added. 

He said it was unfortunate that workers of a party were attacking policemen. “This is an attack on the state since cops were there performing duties on behalf of the state,” he stated emphatically.

Even those, the CJ added, who were attacking police personnel were citizens of this state. “Does anybody have the courage in the UK to raise his or her against a cop?” he questioned. 

Khawaja Haris, one of the PTI’s lawyers, agreed that what was happening in Lahore was bad but questioned the logic behind arresting Imran four days ahead of the hearing.

During morning proceedings, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has held Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf responsible for whatever is happening in Lahore.

Hearing the objections raised on PTI’s plea challenging PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrants in Toshakhana case on Wednesday, the CJ remarked “This court gave relief to PTI, still whatever is happening Lahore is regrettable. This court has shown an honourable way which was not followed.”

The CJ’s remarks came after PTI lawyer Khawaja Haris drew his attention towards the violent clashes between police and party workers in Lahore.

The CJ further said “You have not acted on the court order; we will see the outcome of the Lahore situation.”

About objections raised by the Registrar’s Office on the PTI plea, the CJ said he was removing two objections on the petition, but the remaining objections will be sorted out by the PTI legal team itself.

The IHC CJ gave three days to Imran Khan’s legal team to remove remaining objections on the petition. “I am giving you three days’ time, but this does also not mean that I will hear you after three days. I will be here, your remove the objections,” he added.

When the CJ told Khawaja Haris and Ali Bukhari that they were looking worried, Imran Khan’s lawyers responded “The whole country is worried.”

 

Reporter Ehtisham Kiyani