A malfunctioning elevator at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) trapped senior lawyer Latif Khosa, who was appearing as PTI chief Imran Khan’s counsel, and at least 16 others. However, they were safely rescued by a fire and rescue team after collective efforts from lawyers and the rescue team.
The incident occurred after Khosa had exited the courtroom following the conclusion of a hearing on a plea seeking suspension of former premier Imran Khan’s jail sentence in the Toshakhana case. On their way back, Khosa and the others got stuck when the elevator stopped functioning. The reason for the malfunction is not yet known.
Video footage shows Khosa’s assistant lawyer, Suzane Jahan, expressing frustration about the lack of response from court administration. She questioned whether they were trying to suffocate lawyers and expressed her disappointment at the situation.
Lawyers outside the elevator made efforts to help the trapped individuals, including using a pedestal fan to enhance airflow towards the elevator. A fire and rescue team was called to the scene, and after more than half an hour, the trapped individuals were successfully rescued.
Khosa, visibly exhausted from the ordeal, was escorted by fellow lawyers while chanting slogans. In a press conference later in the day, he implied that the incident was not a mere malfunction and suggested that it might have been planned. He stated that the incident was an attempt to silence the voices of lawyers.
The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC), Irfan Nawaz Memon, later spoke to the media and cited technical experts from the IHC who suggested that overloading the elevator might have caused the malfunction. However, he mentioned that he could not comment on the technicality of the incident.
Despite the frightening experience, Khosa emphasized the importance of lawyers in upholding the constitution, the rule of law, and the rights of the public. He ended his statement by stating that a lawyers’ movement was on the horizon, as the legal community desired an independent judiciary.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the legal profession and highlights the need for prompt responses and safety measures in public buildings.