In a significant development, Pakistan’s Supreme Court issued a ruling on Thursday declaring the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan as “illegal” and ordering his immediate release. The decision came after Khan was brought before a three-member bench, which included Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Athar Minallah, in response to an order to produce him.The bench expressed its displeasure at the manner in which Khan had been apprehended from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, prompting the court to demand an explanation.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was directed by the court to produce Khan before 4:30 pm (local time) for further proceedings.Amidst tight security, Khan was presented before the court, and upon his entrance, the courtroom was sealed as the bench resumed the hearing. The former prime minister appealed for the case to be transferred to the Islamabad High Court, requesting that it be heard on Friday. The judge emphasized the need for all politicians to uphold law and order, stating that they must abide by the decisions of the high court.The Supreme Court’s decision to declare Khan’s arrest illegal and order his immediate release provides a major relief for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman.
This development highlights the significance of upholding due process and ensuring that arrests are carried out within the boundaries of the law. As the nation awaits the proceedings in the Al-Qadir Trust case, the ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting legal procedures in the pursuit of justice.