Imran khan to hold meeting with PTI leaders
The Islamabad High Court has granted permission to PTI leaders and lawyers to meet with Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail. The court order, issued by Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb in response to a petition filed by Barrister Gohar, allows for strategic discussions ahead of the elections, specifically focusing on the distribution of tickets for both the National and provincial assemblies.
The plea also sought the court’s instruction to ensure privacy for Imran Khan during consultations with his legal team, urging the Adiala Jail superintendent to safeguard this confidentiality. PTI Chairman Gohar Khan emphasized that Imran would make the final decisions on ticket allotment.
During the court proceedings, PTI counsel Shoaib Shaheen highlighted the party’s need to discuss the allotment of 700 tickets, while Attorney-General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, PTI lawyers, and the Adiala Jail superintendent were present.
Justice Aurangzeb expressed dissatisfaction with Awan’s arguments, referencing a note from Justice Athar Minallah in a cipher case. The note emphasized the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the government to ensure a fair election process without perceived bias or oppression against any political party.
Caretaker government under criticism
The judge criticized the caretaker government’s impartiality and questioned whether they intended to “derail the polls.” Eventually, the court granted permission for PTI lawyers, including Chairman Gohar Khan, to hold consultations with Imran in jail, under the supervision of the jail superintendent.
Justice Aurangzeb emphasized that the right to consultations on polls is a fundamental right and stressed the importance of neutrality by the caretaker government during elections. He concluded that opposing meetings between PTI chairman and Imran raises concerns about the neutrality of the interim setup and disposed of the petition.
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Speaking to reporters, PTI lawyer Shaheen criticized the caretakers, claiming they are “chair takers” following certain orders. He asserted that the public supports Imran Khan and accused the ECP and elite political parties of anticipating defeat. The lawyer questioned the credibility of the puppet caretaker government and criticized the police’s treatment of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi outside Adiala Jail.