In a recent development, the Lahore High Court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police, Dr. Akbar Nisar Khan, in connection with a contempt case linked to the arrest of PTI President Parvez Elahi. Elahi was re-arrested by Islamabad police on September 1, shortly after the LHC had ordered his release and issued a restraining order against his potential arrest or preventive detention by any agency. In response to this re-arrest, Qaisara Elahi, the wife of PTI’s President, filed two pleas with the LHC, one requesting the authorities to produce him in court and another seeking contempt proceedings against Punjab police officials, citing their “willful disobedience.”
On September 4, the LHC issued a show-cause notice for contempt of court to IG Khan while considering the plea for Parvez’s court appearance. A day later, the LHC directed him to appear in person before the court on September 6 alongside Elahi.
However, during the September 6 hearing, the Islamabad advocate general informed the court that the Islamabad IG could not comply with the directive as he had to attend the Supreme Court.
In the most recent hearing on September 11, the court issued bailable arrest warrants for the Islamabad police chief due to his non-appearance. The court scheduled his appearance for September 18, but he once again failed to attend the hearing.
Today, LHC Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf expressed concern over the inspector general’s absence, questioning whether the court’s orders were being taken lightly.
The government’s counsel informed the court that the Islamabad police chief was occupied, prompting the court to request confirmation of the IG’s whereabouts.
After a brief recess, the court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for IG Khan, citing his repeated failure to appear despite the previous issuance of bailable arrest warrants.
The court then sought the government’s counsel’s response, who explained that they had been unable to reach the IG.
The hearing was adjourned until October 2. In another development, Parvez Elahi faced another arrest, this time by the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment in a case related to the appointment of Muhammad Khan Bhatti as his principal secretary during his tenure as chief minister. The ACE alleged that Bhatti’s appointment did not comply with the law, and Elahi will be transferred to Lahore tomorrow, according to his lawyer Intezar Hussain.
