Islamabad, 24 July, 2023 (GNP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday issued a directive barring authorities from arresting PTI Chairman Imran Khan until August 9 in connection to a case involving the murder of lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar in Quetta.
A three-member bench led by Justice Yahya Afridi heard Imran’s plea seeking to quash the case. At the outset of the hearing, the Balochistan advocate general urged the court to instruct Khan to appear before the joint investigation team (JIT) tasked with probing the murder. This request was, however, declined by the court, with Justice Afridi stating that the court would not issue an order at this stage.
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The Balochistan government’s request to involve Khan in the investigation and Khan’s plea for adjournment of the hearing to a later date were both dismissed by the court. The Supreme Court instructed Khan to attend the next hearing which is scheduled for August 9.
The murder case was instigated after an FIR was lodged against Khan at Quetta’s Shaheed Jamil police station following a complaint by the deceased lawyer’s son, Advocate Siraj Ahmed. The Balochistan High Court subsequently upheld arrest warrants issued against Khan by an anti-terrorism court.
In the midst of ongoing investigations by the JIT, Khan remains confident in the justice system. On being asked about his expectations from the Supreme Court, he responded, “I expect justice from the Supreme Court.”
This announcement comes amidst a wave of political developments in the country, with Khan remaining in the public spotlight. The arrest reprieve will provide a temporary respite to the PTI Chairman as the investigation is underway.
