Amnesty time over, Rizvi’s case to be decided on merit: LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Thursday withdrew an offer earlier made to Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi to furnish a written guarantee that he would not disrupt law and order in future if released on bail.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan, while hearing the bail application of Rizvi, observed that the time to consider amnesty to Rizvi had passed and the case would now be decided on merit.

During Monday hearing, the LHC had hinted at releasing Rizvi if he provided a written affidavit saying that he would not create unrest in the society if released on bail. As the hearing commenced on Thursday, Justice Qasim Khan asked Rizvi’s counsels if they had managed to secure a written guarantee from the TLP leader. The counsels said no as they were only allowed to meet their client by jail superintendent.

The judge then asked whether Rizvi was willing to accept the conditions in writing? At this point, Rizvi’s lawyer seemed to resist the demands being placed on his client.

“The government arrested Rizvi despite the [Faizabad] agreement,” he said, adding he was leading peaceful protests. “Are you saying that the government deceived Rizvi?” the judge asked. “Yes, the government deceived Rizvi,” the lawyer maintained. The court wasn’t pleased with the counsel’s demeanour and said it is withdrawing its earlier offer and Rizvi’s case would be decided on merit. The hearing was subsequently adjourned for a week.