Pakistan Bar Council Criticizes Violent Re-Arrest of PTI President Despite Court Order
The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has strongly condemned the manhandling and subsequent re-arrest of the President of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Parvez Elahi, in violation of the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) orders. The incident occurred just hours after the LHC had ordered Elahi’s release and imposed a restraining order against his possible arrest by any agency or preventive detention.
Elahi, who is also a former Punjab chief minister, was intercepted by a team of Islamabad police, assisted by the Punjab police, near the FCC underpass while he was riding in a white SUV with lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa. Police personnel forcefully removed Elahi from his car and transferred him to an unmarked vehicle, which subsequently drove him to Islamabad. Visuals of the arrest went viral on social media, showing plain-clothed men and uniformed Punjab policemen dragging Elahi out of his car.
The PBC, in a statement issued by its Vice-Chairman Haroonur Rashid and Executive Committee Chairman Hassan Raza Pasha, strongly condemned the manhandling and the manner in which Elahi was re-arrested, as well as his subsequent confinement under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). The council expressed concerns about the arrest, stating that it raises questions about the rule of law and power dynamics in Pakistan’s political landscape.
The PBC emphasized the importance of obeying and implementing court orders while upholding the Constitution. It also urged the courts to exercise caution when deciding political matters and consider whether their orders can be effectively implemented. The council’s statement further highlighted that the LHC had explicitly ordered not to re-arrest Elahi in any case, and disregarding this order was a violation of the court’s directive.
In response to his detention under the MPO, Elahi has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court (IHC), urging the court to declare his detention as illegal and without lawful authority. The petition argues that Elahi has been subject to successive arrests in false and politically motivated cases. It points out that the LHC order mandated Elahi’s safe transfer to his residence under tight security. The plea contends that the MPO detention order lacks clarity and has been implemented based on vague and absurd grounds. It further questions how Elahi could create a law and order situation when he had been incarcerated for over three months.
Section 3 of the MPO ordinance grants the government the power to arrest and detain individuals suspected of acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety or the maintenance of public order. The ordinance allows the government to extend the period of detention for up to six months.
This latest arrest underscores the ongoing legal battles and controversies surrounding Parvez Elahi, who was first taken into custody on June 1 by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) for alleged kickbacks in development projects. Despite various court orders and discharges, Elahi has faced a series of re-arrests by different law enforcement agencies in connection with multiple corruption cases and allegations.
The continued legal saga surrounding Elahi raises concerns about the misuse of power and political victimization in Pakistan. As the case unfolds, many will be closely watching for further developments and the impact they may have on Pakistan’s legal and political landscape.
In conclusion, the Pakistan Bar Council’s condemnation of the violent re-arrest of PTI President Parvez Elahi, despite a court order for his release, raises serious questions about the rule of law and power dynamics in the country. The council urges the courts to carefully consider the implementability of their political decisions and emphasizes the importance of upholding court orders and the Constitution. Elahi, meanwhile, has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court challenging his detention under the MPO, asserting that it is unlawful and without authority. The ongoing legal battles surrounding Elahi highlight concerns regarding political victimization and abuse of power in Pakistan.
