Imran must be released in prevailing situation: Latif Khosa

ISLAMABAD: The petition seeking PTI founder Imran Khan’s release on parole came up for hearing with registrar office objections before acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Islamabad High Court (IHC) Sarfraz Dogar Wednesday.

Latif Khosa, counsel for Imran Khan, piled up complaints upon complaints on non-fixation of petition for hearing. IHC ACJ remarked, “I will pass an order on objections. Do you want to take this matter to division bench? Everyone is respectable for this court. If justice is not being provided to someone then it is a job of government. You should go there. Why did you come here? If government does not do this then come to court.”

Latif Khosa said that assistant registrar cannot see the matter of maintainability. The court has to see this if the petition is maintainable or otherwise. Latif Khosa said this impression should vanish that justice is not being provided to a person.

Latif Khosa said, “Probation and parole are two separate matters. If government does not do it then appeal is pending with you. This is your mandate only. Coming out of jail by PTI founder in prevailing situation is must.” He said that a drone fell near Lahore airport at night. PTI founder had directed them to forge unity. “This petition falls under your jurisdiction,” he told the court.

The court inquired if he wanted this petition be sent to division bench. The state counsel while giving arguments said contempt of court pleas in connection with meetings are pending hearing. The pleas for meetings have been approved as 7 contempt of court pleas are pending hearing with the court.

Latif Khosa said, “The meeting with PTI founder is not being allowed. The situation is like habeas corpus. The way he has been kept in jail falls under illegal detention.” Justice Sarfraz Dogar said he has been convicted and awarded punishment by trial court. He is a convict.

Latif Khosa said that the petition seeking suspension of sentence in 100 million pounds case has also not been fixed for hearing. Justice Sarfraz Dogar said, “I had removed objections to it.” PTI counsel told the court this was asked to fix the petition seeking suspension of sentence in 190 million pound case this week. But it was not done. The case regarding release on parole be fixed with suspension of sentence case. IHC ACJ remarked, “This is entirely different case. I will see it separately.”