Former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday urged the Lahore High Court (LHC) to direct the authorities to stop any action against the PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
He made the requested during hearing of a plea seeking to halt “coercive government action” against PTI and quashment of multiple cases filed against him on identical charges.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh heard the petition.
Imran Khan also informed the court that the plan was underway to carry out another operation at his residence in Zaman Park during the Eid holidays.
The PTI nominated nine authorities and individuals as respondents including the prime minister, interior minister, Punjab caretaker chief minister, inspector general of police Punjab, the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency in its petition.
During the hearing, Imran’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar said that there was a gradual increase in the cases being filed against his client alleging that the state’s machinery was being misused against the PTI.
He informed the court that over 140 cases were filed against Imran Khan fearing his arrest in coming days. The police senior officers should appear in court and explain whether it was necessary to arrest Imran Khan, he pleaded.
The counsel said the reasons for arrest were needed to be explained in accordance with law.
The counsel said police stations were being used for political point scoring.
Imran Khan informed the court that his residence in Zaman Park was damaged previously during an operation conducted in the past.
He also shared that he had received information about an upcoming operation at his residence during the Eid holidays, and expressed concerns about potential bloodshed.
The PTI chief also accused the government of not only attempting to imprison him but also planning to cause him physical harm. “They want to eliminate me,” he claimed.
He emphasised the need for the court to intervene and issue strict directions to prevent the government from conducting any further operations.
After hearing arguments, the court referred the PTI chief’s plea to the full bench for further review, noting that similar cases were already being heard there.
In its note to the full bench, the LHC also stated that the petitioner had requested an urgent hearing for the petition.
