LAHORE — According to reports, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) detained PTI President Parvez Elahi outside a Lahore court only seconds after he was released in the corruption case.
According to sources, the anti-corruption watchdog will transfer the PTI leader to the Gujranwala directorate since he was sought in another case filed in the city.
Meanwhile, ACE Director General Suhail Zafar Chatha said that the department will appeal the Lahore court’s decision. “In contrast to the merit,” he remarked, “the verdict has been announced.”
Previously, the court has ordered the PTI leader’s release if he was not sought in any other case. Ghulam Murtaza Virk, a judicial magistrate, pronounced the previously reserved decision. Mr Elahi was carried to court in an armoured vehicle under heavy security, and members of his family, including son Rasikh Elahi, were there.
The anti-corruption squad has requested a 14-day physical detention of the prominent lawmaker in order to question him about the matter. After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge issued his ruling.
Outside the court, the former Punjab chief minister told reporters he was innocent and a “supporter of the Pakistan Army.” In an address to party members, he urged them to be steadfast and courageous.
Arrest of Parvez Elahi
The PTI president was detained outside his mansion, Zahoor Elahi Palace, on Thursday by an Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) squad assisted by police, according to Punjab interim communications minister Amir Mir.
Mr Mir said that he had been detained for taking bribes in development projects and that he would soon be transferred to the anti-corruption headquarters. “The area around his house had been cordoned off for the last couple of days,” he said.
He first refused, but as cops attempted to shatter his car’s driver side window, he stated he got out. “Talks about human rights violations should be toned down because he is accused of corruption,” the minister continued. “He will be treated in jail like other suspects,” Mr Mir added.
The arrest happened after a Lahore anti-corruption court denied Mr Elahi’s bail bid in a case involving suspected corruption in construction projects.
Mr Elahi’s lawyer informed the court that his client was suffering from chest trouble and would be unable to attend in court. The prosecution claimed that the medical certificate presented in court by Parvez Elahi’s attorney was forged.
The court denied Parvez Elahi’s temporary release request due to noncompliance and also denied the PTI leader’s request for an attendance waiver.