Pervez Elahi approaches LHC seeking better jail class

Lahore: Parvez Elahi, President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former chief minister of Punjab, on Saturday filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking better accommodation in prison.

 The plea, presented by Elahi's legal representative, argued that as a former chief minister, Elahi is entitled to certain privileges.

Earlier, the court had granted additional facilities, including air conditioning, based on the petitioner's request. However, these amenities have now been revoked.

He submitted that the provision of prison facilities is an essential aspect of fundamental rights. Elahi's plea requests the appointment of a commission to inspect the current conditions of the jail.

Elahi also asked the judge to direct the relevant authorities to transport him to the courts in a regular vehicle rather than an armored one. In his petition, Elahi requested the court to direct concerned institutions to provide him with details of ongoing inquiries and FIRs and to prevent his arrest.

Elahi argued that he, along with other PTI leaders, has been a victim of political persecution since the caretaker government assumed office in the province. He mentioned that he has been acquitted in several cases registered by anti-corruption agencies and granted bail in others. However, he expressed concern that he was immediately re-arrested in another case right after being released on bail.

Elahi emphasized that when he approached the relevant departments to inquire about any registered FIRs or pending inquiries against him, he was not provided with the necessary details.

On July 7, the LHC had summoned responses from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Punjab Police in response to a petition filed by Elahi. The petitioner sought information regarding ongoing inquiries and registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against him.

It is noteworthy that multiple corruption cases have been filed against Elahi, alleging that he received kickbacks in exchange for awarding government development projects during his tenure as chief minister.