- Kot Lakhpat Jail administration confirms former Punjab chief minister’s release
- LHC’s Justice Sultan Tanveer granted his bail plea in
LAHORE: In a major relief to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party’s senior leader and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi on Tuesday was released from prison, Express News reported.
Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore administration has confirmed that the former Punjab chief minister has been freed.
After getting released, Elahi shifted to his residence, Zahoor Elahi Palace in Gujrat.
In a statement issued by PTI’s Central Media Department, Elahi expressed gratitude for his released, attributing his perseverance to divine support.
“I thank Allah Almighty for honouring me,” he stated, reflecting on his period of detention. “Allah gave me the strength to remain steadfast,” he added, emphasising his resilience during challenging times.
The PTI leader also thanked the judges who stood by “truth and justice”, leading to his release.
He also expressed deep appreciation for the support and prayers of his well-wishers. “I am grateful to everyone who prayed for me and supported me during this difficult period.”
Addressing the hardships faced by the people of Gujrat, Elahi lamented the injustices and oppression they endured. “The people of Gujrat had to suffer many injustices and oppression,” he noted, underscoring the region’s plight. He further claimed electoral malpractice, stating, “Our mandate was stolen in Gujrat.”
He made it clear that he would not engage in dialogue with his brother Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s children until their mandate was restored. “There will be no talks with Shujaat’s children until our mandate is returned,” he asserted.
Elahi identified Interior Minister and former caretaker Punjab chief minister Mohsin Naqvi as a primary figure behind his arrest and the injustices he faced.
“Mohsin Naqvi played the most significant role in getting me arrested and in the injustices against me,” he accused, holding Naqvi responsible for his troubles.
He reaffirmed his unwavering support for PTI founder Imran Khan. “I was with Imran Khan, I am with him, and, God willing, I will remain with him,” he declared.
Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted bail to Elahi in the illegal recruitment case.
Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad presided over the hearing. Elahi’s counsel, Amir Saeed Rawn, argued that the anti-corruption body filed the case after a delay of two years.
He further stated in the bail plea that the former Punjab CM had neither accepted money against recruitment nor had any involvement in the recruitment procedure.
Rawn accused the anti-corruption department of planting fake evidence during the raid at Elahi’s residence.
However, the anti-corruption lawyer informed the court that the case against Elahi was filed in compliance with legal procedures and the former chief minister was taken into custody on October 25, 2023.
Following arguments from both sides, the court approved the bail application.
Elahi was booked by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab on charges of illegally recruiting a low-ranking officer as his principal secretary by misusing his powers when he was serving as the chief minister and receiving bribe.
