Court Rules Against Imran Khan’s Physical Remand in May 9 Cases
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has declared the physical remand of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in the May 9 cases as null and void. This decision was made by a two-member bench consisting of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh and Justice Anwar-ul-Haq Pannu.
The court also nullified the notification for Imran Khan’s appearance via video link. During the hearing, Justice Saleem stated that the suspect cannot be forced to undergo a photogrammetry test. Justice Pannu questioned the prosecutor about the use of modern devices, to which Punjab’s Prosecutor General, Farhad Ali Shah, responded that the photogrammetry test facility is available inside the prison.
Imran Khan had filed petitions against the anti-terrorism court’s (ATC) decision, which granted a 10-day physical remand in 12 cases related to the May 9 riots. These cases were registered at various police stations, including Gulberg, Sarwar Road, Race Course, Shadman, Mughalpura, and Model Town.
Imran Khan also approached Punjab’s top court to avoid potential detention by the military in connection with the May 9 cases. However, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh rejected his plea, upholding the registrar’s office objection that the power of attorney submitted was not signed.
On May 9 last year, violent clashes erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest, leading to attacks on army installations and other properties. Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case, the cypher case, and the unlawful marriage case.
Doubts Revealed
Court -: A court is a place where judges make decisions about the law. They decide if someone has broken the law and what should happen to them.
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous person who used to be the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was also a famous cricket player before he became a politician.
Physical Remand -: Physical remand means that a person is taken into police custody so they can be questioned or investigated. It means the person has to stay with the police for some time.
Lahore High Court -: The Lahore High Court is a big court in Lahore, a city in Pakistan. It makes important legal decisions for the region.
Null and Void -: Null and void means that something is not valid or has no legal effect. It’s like saying it doesn’t count anymore.
Notification -: A notification is a message or announcement that tells people about something important. In this case, it was about Imran Khan’s court appearance.
Video Link -: A video link is a way to see and talk to someone using a computer or phone, like a video call. It’s used when people can’t be in the same place.
Anti-Terrorism Court -: An anti-terrorism court is a special court that deals with cases related to terrorism. Terrorism means using violence to scare people or governments.
May 9 Riots -: The May 9 riots were violent events that happened on May 9. People were angry and caused damage, and the police had to control the situation.
Photogrammetry Test -: A photogrammetry test is a way to measure things using photos. In this case, it might be used to identify people or objects in pictures.
Adiala Jail -: Adiala Jail is a big prison in Pakistan where people are kept if they are accused or found guilty of breaking the law.