The anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Islamabad Friday ordered a 14-day judicial remand of PTI President Parvez Elahi in connection with the March 18 riots outside the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC).
The events on March 18 were marred by clashes between the police and PTI workers during party chairman Imran Khan’s appearance at the FJC for a hearing related to the Toshakhana case.
Parvez Elahi had been arrested on September 5 in connection with this case, just hours after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had suspended his detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance and ordered his release.
During today’s court hearing, Elahi was presented before ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain. Lawyers representing Elahi argued for his discharge from the case, while the prosecutor sought an extension of his physical remand.
However, the ATC rejected both pleas and sent the former Punjab chief minister to Adiala Jail for 14-day judicial remand, with a further court appearance scheduled for September 22. The court also ordered the investigation officer to submit a report on the matter.
Following the verdict, Elahi’s lawyers filed a bail plea, and the ATC issued notices to the respondents for a hearing on September 11. The court also approved a request allowing Elahi’s family to meet him in jail and provide him with home-cooked food due to medical reasons.
The case against Parvez Elahi stems from an FIR registered on March 18, which included charges such as rioting, unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, theft, and acts of terrorism. The clashes on that day had occurred between Islamabad Police and PTI workers outside the Judicial Complex during Imran Khan’s Toshakhana case hearing.
This arrest is just one in a series of legal proceedings involving Parvez Elahi, with multiple arrests and releases in various cases over the past few months, including corruption charges and allegations related to embezzlement and money laundering.
