The Pakistan Supreme Court (SC) has issued a directive on Wednesday, restraining authorities from arresting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, Imran Khan, until August 24th in connection with a case related to the murder of lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar in Quetta.
A bench comprised of three justices, led by Justice Yahya Afridi and including Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Hassan Azhar Rizwi, issued this order while hearing Imran Khan’s plea to dismiss the case.
At the start of the hearing, there was a tense exchange of words between the SC judges and the applicant’s lawyer, Amanullah Kanrani. Justice Hassan Azhar Rizwi instructed Kanrani to sit down during the proceedings.
In response, lawyer Kanrani raised objections regarding the bench presiding over the lawyer murder case involving the PTI chief. Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar questioned Kanrani, asking if he had read the First Information Report (FIR).
Kanrani replied, “I have read your verdict in the Ghulam Muhammad Dogar case,” and pointed out a case pending against Justice Mazahir in the Sindh High Court (SHC).
Justice Mazahir responded, “You can’t talk to me in this manner,” and added, “Is this an appropriate way to speak?”
Justice Yahya Afridi then requested Kanrani to submit his objections in writing and also asked him to offer an apology.
Amanullah Kanrani approached the podium and extended an apology to the SC bench in connection with the lawyer murder case.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing until August 24th, instructing authorities not to proceed with the arrest of the PTI chairman.
The case against the PTI chairman pertains to his involvement in the murder of Advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar. The case was registered at the Shaheed Jameel Kakar police station, under charges including murder and terrorism, based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s son.