In a pivotal legal turn, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has paved the way for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and legal representatives to hold crucial discussions with the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. This ruling marks a significant stride as the political landscape heats up ahead of the imminent February 8 polls.
Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb’s decision was a response to Imran Khan’s plea, seeking the green light for strategic consultations with key party figures like Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar Khan, senators Aurangzeb Khan, Dost Mohammad Khan, and Ishtiaq Meherban. The plea emphasized the need to ensure confidentiality during these discussions, emphasizing the sensitivity of the electoral strategy.
As the political tempo rises with the electoral schedule progressing, the nomination paper filing deadline concluded, thrusting the electoral program into full swing. Now, returning officers are set to scrutinize the nomination papers from December 25 to December 30, setting the stage for the final leg of candidacy confirmation.
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Amidst these developments, statements from PTI Chairman Gohar Khan underscored Imran Khan’s active role in ticket allocation decisions. Barrister Ali Zafar also stressed that incarcerated PTI members would be given priority in ticket distribution.
The courtroom drama unfolded with PTI lawyers, Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, and Adiala Jail’s superintendent in attendance. PTI counsel Shoaib Shaheen pushed for discussions regarding the allocation of 700 tickets, while the AGP raised objections about the petition’s legitimacy.
Justice Aurangzeb, dissatisfied with the AGP’s arguments, referenced Justice Athar Minallah’s note in the cipher case, casting doubt on the AGP’s impartiality as a representative of the caretaker government.
Underlining the fundamental right to election consultations, Justice Aurangzeb emphasized the caretaker government’s obligation to stay neutral. Eventually, the court granted permission for PTI lawyers, including Chairman Gohar Khan, to confer with Imran Khan in jail under strict supervision.
The judge, expressing reservations about the interim government’s impartiality, concluded the proceedings by dismissing the petition, setting the stage for PTI’s legal maneuvers in the dynamic run-up to the elections.
