In a significant turn of events, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has declared the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan illegal and ordered his immediate release, according to various reports reached The Chenab Times. Khan, who was taken into custody in a graft case, was produced before the court as per its orders. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Athar Minallah, expressed its displeasure at the manner in which Khan was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court.
The court’s decision came during the hearing of Khan’s plea against his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Chief Justice Bandial raised the question of how an individual could be arrested from the court premises, while Justice Minallah emphasized that Khan had entered the court premises and questioned the denial of his right to justice. The Supreme Court further stated that no one could be arrested from the court without the permission of the court’s registrar. The court viewed the arrest as a violation of the citizen’s right to access justice without fear or intimidation.
The bench noted that by entering the court premises, an individual surrenders to the court, and therefore, arresting them after surrender is unjustifiable. “If an individual surrendered to the court, then what does arresting them mean?” Chief Justice Bandial questioned.
During the proceedings, Khan’s counsel, Hamid Khan, informed the court that his client had sought pre-arrest bail from the Islamabad High Court but was apprehended by paramilitary Rangers.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has sparked reactions across the country, with supporters of Imran Khan celebrating the decision as a victory for justice. Many believe that the arrest of a prominent political figure within the court premises was a breach of legal and constitutional norms. The ruling will likely have far-reaching implications for future cases involving the arrest of individuals within court premises.
As news of the Supreme Court’s decision spread, political analysts and legal experts weighed in on the implications of this landmark ruling. Some viewed it as a stern message to law enforcement agencies, stressing the need to respect the sanctity of the court and uphold the principles of justice. Others highlighted the importance of preserving the integrity of the judicial process and ensuring the fair treatment of all individuals involved in legal proceedings.
The release of Imran Khan from custody is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape of Pakistan. As the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, Khan’s arrest had stirred political turmoil and raised questions about the impartiality of the country’s anti-corruption watchdog. With his release, Khan is likely to regain momentum and focus on his political agenda.
The Supreme Court’s decision serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role as the guardian of justice and the rule of law in Pakistan. It reaffirms the principle that no one should be denied their right to access justice, irrespective of their political status or affiliations.
As the Pakistan awaits the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order for Khan’s release, the case has drawn attention to the importance of upholding the independence and integrity of the judiciary, which remains crucial for the functioning of a fair and just society.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
