PTI’s Akmal Khan Bari moves LHC over police harassment claims

PTI leader turns to the court, alleging police harassment and political victimisation...

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Akmal Khan Bari has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), accusing the Punjab Police of political victimisation and unlawful harassment, while seeking constitutional protection for himself and his family against what he alleges are repeated illegal actions by law enforcement authorities.

The constitutional petition was filed through senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab and other relevant officials named as respondents. The petition urges the court to intervene, alleging that police actions have exceeded legal limits and infringed upon the petitioner’s constitutional rights.

According to the plea, police officials allegedly raided Akmal Khan Bari’s residence at around 10:00 p.m. on July 27. The petitioner claims that officers entered the premises without lawful justification and subjected his family members to intimidation and harassment during the late-night operation.

The petition further states that Bari had previously been arrested in what he describes as a fabricated criminal case. It argues that the latest police action is part of a broader pattern of political victimisation aimed at pressuring him because of his affiliation with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The petitioner maintains that no criminal allegation currently justifies repeated police raids or coercive measures against him or his family. He contends that such actions violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under Pakistan’s Constitution, including the rights to personal liberty, dignity, privacy, and equal protection before the law.

According to the petition, law enforcement agencies are legally bound to operate within the framework of the Constitution and cannot exercise their authority arbitrarily or for political purposes. It alleges that the conduct of the respondents is mala fide, unlawful, and inconsistent with constitutional safeguards designed to protect citizens from abuse of power.

Bari has requested the Lahore High Court to issue directions restraining the Punjab Police and other respondents from taking any unlawful coercive action against him. He has also sought specific orders preventing police officials from harassing, intimidating, or interfering with members of his family.

Additionally, the petition asks the court to direct all respondents to perform their duties strictly in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws, ensuring that no individual is subjected to harassment without legal grounds.

The Lahore High Court is expected to take up the constitutional petition for preliminary proceedings, where it will determine whether notices should be issued to the respondents and what further legal steps, if any, are warranted. The Punjab Police had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time this report was filed.