The Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has presented Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, the President of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), before an anti-corruption court in Lahore. The ACE is seeking his physical remand in connection with a graft case, as confirmed by Elahi’s lawyer. This comes a day after his arrest in Rawalpindi.
Elahi is one of several PTI leaders and workers who have been arrested following the violent riots in the country after Imran Khan’s initial arrest on May 9. His arrest yesterday marked the 12th time he has been taken into custody since June 1, which was prompted by the events of May 9.
The charges against Elahi in this particular case are related to the Lahore Master Plan 2050. He is accused of misusing his authority as the former Chief Minister of Punjab and colluding with the Director of Lahore Development Authority to make illegal alterations to the draft of the plan. These changes allegedly benefited Elahi’s sons, resulting in a significant increase in the value of their land in Kotli Rai Abu Bakar, located in the Kasur district.
The FIR filed against Elahi lists several charges, including punishment for abetment, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and using forged documents. These charges are under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947.
After his arrest, Elahi was brought before an Islamabad court, which granted the ACE a one-day transit remand to produce him in the relevant anti-corruption court in Lahore.
It is important to note that this arrest is just one among many in a series of arrests and legal cases involving Elahi. There have been numerous charges and accusations against him, dating back to June 1, when he was first taken into custody for alleged kickbacks in development projects. The timeline of his arrests and subsequent legal proceedings has been complex and convoluted.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, it is essential to let the judicial process take its course and ensure fairness and justice for all parties involved.