Islamabad (Web Desk ): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has cancelled the 8-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) members of the National Assembly (MNAs) as null and void.
A two-member bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz announced the reserved verdict after hearing the both parties' arguments.
During the hearing, the IHC CJ criticised the content of the First Information Report (FIR), describing it as “comedic” and questioning the seriousness of the charges.
“This FIR could be a script for a comedy film,” Justice Farooq said.
The prosecutors had claimed that dangerous speeches were made by PTI leaders during a rally.
However, the court responded by emphasising the right to a fair trial and criticised the authorities for arresting the members directly from parliament without proper procedures.
After listening to arguments from both sides, the court nullified the physical remand, citing a lack of solid evidence to justify it.
The court also questioned the handling of the case by law enforcement and suggested there may be further inquiries into the matter.
Earlier on Thursday, the IHC suspended the eight-day physical remand of PTI MNAs who were arrested in connection with cases registered against them following party’s rally on September 8.
A division bench of the comprising IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz announced the decision, following petitions filed by the arrested PTI MNAs.
During the hearing, the prosecutor general had opposed the suspension of the remand, arguing that such a decision could send a "negative signal."
Justice Aamer Farooq responded, questioning what negative impression could arise from the order.
He further observed that if the court issued such an order, the accused would be sent to judicial custody, and the remand order could not be upheld in its current form.
In his arguments, the defence council maintained that the trial court had extended the remand without providing sufficient reasoning, asserting that lengthy physical remands should be avoided.
The prosecutor, however, defended the remand decision by reading out the details of the FIRs filed against the accused.
Subsequently, the court postponed the case till Friday (today).
