On Wednesday, Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted a two-day physical remand of PTI President Parvez Elahi to the capital police in a newly emerged terror case dating back to March 18.
This development occurred shortly after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had suspended his detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance and ordered his release on the previous day.
Parvez Elahi, a prominent PTI leader, has been arrested on multiple occasions, totaling at least 11 times, since June. These arrests followed a widespread crackdown against the PTI in the wake of the violence that occurred on May 9.
The Islamabad police had posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, announcing Elahi’s release and his subsequent re-arrest within a mere eight-minute time span. They stated that Elahi was detained in a case registered at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station.
Another abduction of Parvez Elahi, former Speaker and CM Punjab. Pakistan has descended into a complete lawless country, as not even Courts order are being respected!#عوام_کی_بس_ہوگئی_ہے pic.twitter.com/r9Qy0a2hnp
— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 5, 2023
Earlier today, the capital police presented the PTI leader before Duty Judge Shahrukh Arjumand at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC). Footage of his arrival showed Elahi appearing to seek support by holding onto someone’s hand.
Advocate Sardar Abdur Razzaq and defense counsel Ali Bukhari represented Elahi, while Prosecutor Tahir Kazim was also present during the hearing.
During the proceedings, the police requested a 14-day physical remand for the former Punjab chief minister, while his lawyers opposed this and urged the court to dismiss the case against Elahi. However, the court rejected the lawyer’s plea and instead granted a two-day physical remand to the police.
In an informal conversation with reporters at the FJC, Elahi mentioned, “I was held at the Crime Investigation Agency police station all night. Why would anyone want to meet me? I am the one who does not wish to meet anyone.” When asked if he planned to hold a press conference, possibly referring to the numerous PTI leaders who had left the party after the events of May 9, Elahi responded with, “Absolutely not.”