ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought details of all the cases registered against the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), following the incident of hooliganism in Masjid-i-Nabvi.

While hearing a set of petitions filed by PTI leaders in connection with the cases registered on the ba­­sis of the incident, IHC Chief Just­ice Athar Minallah extended the interim bail of Asad Qaiser, Fawad Chaudhry, Shahbaz Gill, Qasim Khan Suri, Haleem Adil Sheikh and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed till Sept 23.

Defence counsel argued before the court that the police registered FIRs against party’s leadership following the change of regime. He said the IHC sought details of the cases from the interior ministry and a report from the National Assembly secretariat.

When Justice Minallah inquired from the deputy attorney general if the respondents have filed the reports, he said the FIA had submitted the report but interior ministry’s response was still awaited.

Interim bail of half a dozen leaders extended till 23rd

The court directed the law officer to provide a detailed reply within a week.

Further hearing on the matter was adjourned till Sept 23.

Earlier on May 14, the court had directed the interior ministry to obtain reports from the respective provincial governments. The federal government was directed to ensure that no case was registered against the PTI leadership unless there was verifiable information regarding their involvement in the incident.

Justice Minallah had asked the federal government to take appropriate measures to dispel the alleged perception of exploitation or use of religious sentiments in the context of registration of criminal cases.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2022