Agreement signed between PTI, Punjab govt submitted in LHC
Pakistan
PTI lawyer said party chief to appear before court in cases related to protective bail
LAHORE (Dunya News) – An agreement reached between the Punjab government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was submitted between in the Lahore High Court (LHC) hearing a petition against an operation to arrest Imran Khan.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh resumed the hearing after he halted the operation till 3pm today. He had issued the order while hearing a petition filed by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry to stop police from action at Zaman Park after supporters of the former prime minister fought pitched battles with security forces when police tried to arrest Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case.
Both sides have finalised Terms of Conditions (ToRs) related to holding rallies, security of the PTI chief and other legal matters. As per the agreement, the PTI will cooperated with the administration to implement the arrest warrants and search warrants.
PTI has nominated Shibli Faraz and Ali Muhammad Khan as focal person while SSP Imran Kishwar will represent police for communication. Furthermore, the PTI will cooperate with the police for investigation in cases registered over clashes occurred on March 14 and 15.
It has also been decided that the Imran Khan’s party would hold public gathering on Monday instead of Sunday while it would contact the administration for permission. The PTI, as per the agreement, will also inform the administration five days prior to holding the rally.
The government will implement the guidelines formulated for the security of the PTI chief, the agreement states, adding that the party will submit a request for security to the authorities concerned.
Today's Hearnig
At the outset of the hearing, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Anwar said the chaos was witnessed after rules were defied. Referring to Thursday’s meeting with PTI leaders at the chief secretary office, he said it had been decided that the political party would appoint a focal person.
At one point, Justice Sheikh in conversation with Fawad Chaudhry said they should approach the IGP for security, adding that they could move courts on unsatisfactory response from the authorities. He said containers should be used for exports instead of placing them as barricades.
Read More: Court dismisses plea for suspension of Imran's arrest warrants in Toshakhana case
Mr Chaudhry told court that police wanted access to arrest people, adding that 500 unknown persons had been nominated in a case registered after clashes between law enforcers and PTI supporters. He feared that such moves would further heighten the tension.
During the hearing, the PTI lawyer said petitions for protective bail of the former prime minister had been filed, adding that Imran Khan would appear before the LHC to attend the hearing.
When the IGP requested the court to issue a verdict on the arrest warrants of the PTI, Justice Sheikh said the decision would be made at 3pm and adjourned the hearing.
The first order by the LHC to postpone the Zaman Park operation came on Wednesday when the Islamabad police, backed by the Punjab police and Rangers, mad a push to arrest the ex-premier in connection with the Toshkhana case. Imran has skipped indictment for four times, which led to the judge issuing non-bailable arrest warrant against him.
However, the law enforcers were met with strong resistance from PTI workers who threw stones at them and allegedly used petrol bombs. Police had responded with volleys of tear gas.
