Gives PTI lawyer an earful, says party abandoned workers
PESHAWAR: In a significant legal development, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has granted transit bail to Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, until December 23. The decision came after her legal team filed a plea for bail and requested details of cases registered against her.
During the hearing, the court declared the petition seeking these details as admissible and directed further assistance to evaluate its maintainability.
Court Criticizes PTI Leaders’ Conduct
Justice S.M. Attique Shah, part of a two-member bench alongside Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, issued a sharp rebuke to PTI’s legal counsel. Addressing the lawyer, he remarked, “You bring protesters along but leave them to face the consequences alone. Have any of your ministers or assembly members been arrested? Remember, all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.”
Legal Arguments and Court Proceedings
The hearing featured key legal representatives:
- Advocate Alam Khan Adeenzai represented Bushra Bibi.
- Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General defended the provincial government.
- Additional Attorney General Sanaullah represented the federal government.
Advocate Adeenzai argued that numerous FIRs were registered against his client in Punjab following the D-Chowk protest. However, the specifics of these cases remained unclear.
In response, Justice SM Attique Shah directed the Additional Attorney General to provide a comprehensive report listing all registered FIRs. The federal representative assured the court that this report would be submitted within two weeks.
Transit Bail for Bushra Bibi and Other PTI Leaders
During the proceedings, it was revealed that over 50 cases had been filed against Bushra Bibi, with 27 separate petitions seeking bail in different matters. Her lawyer requested additional time to appear before the respective courts, citing the complexity and volume of the cases.
However, Justice Shah noted the upcoming winter holidays and emphasized the need for timely legal proceedings. The court ultimately granted her transit bail until December 23.
In a related hearing, the PHC instructed the federal government to provide case details for several PTI leaders, including:
- Aliya Hamza
- Hamida Shah
- Adil Bazai
- Ali Zaman
These leaders were granted transit bail until December 23 as well.
Key Remarks by the Court
Justice SM Attique Shah reiterated the principle of equality before the law, stating, “No individual, whether a minister or assembly member, is above the law. All citizens deserve equal respect and treatment.”
The court also addressed concerns about maintainability in Bushra Bibi’s petition, allowing her legal team ample time to prepare their case.
Legal Developments Moving Forward
This case highlights the growing legal challenges faced by PTI leaders, with mounting cases filed against them post-protests. The court has emphasized timely appearances and accountability, setting a clear precedent for legal proceedings in such high-profile matters.
The Peshawar High Court’s directives reflect its commitment to upholding justice, ensuring that all parties adhere to legal protocols, and maintaining transparency in these complex cases.
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