Court extends judicial remand of PTI leaders

F.P. Report

LAHORE: The judicial remand of three leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) including former Punjab governor Omer Sarfaraz Cheema, Mehmoodur Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhry was extended for 14 days in different cases of arson and vandalism.

The judicial remand of Omer Sarfaraz Cheema was extended for 14 days in the Jinnah House attack and vandalism case. The Punjab ex-governor had been brought to an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore in a wheelchair due to illness.

Jinnah Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Yahya Salman presented the medical report of Omer Sarfraz Cheema in the court which ordered the provision of good treatment facilities to the Punjab ex-governor.

Police requested the court to extend the judicial remand of Omer Sarfraz Cheema. “The challan of the Jinnah House attack case is in the process of preparation. The judicial remand of the accused should be extended,” the investigation officer pleaded with the court.

ATC Administrator Judge Abhar Gul Khan conducted the hearing. Case No. 96/23 was registered against Omer Sarfraz Cheema and others at Sarwar Road police station.

Similarly, the judicial remand of Mehmoodur Rasheed was extended for 14 days in the case of setting fire to Shadman police station and police vehicles in Gulberg. The court ordered the PTI leader to reappear on August 7 next.

Mehmoodur Rasheed walked himself to the courtroom. He had suffered a heart attack in jail and was admitted to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC).

“Rumours of his death were also spread. A report about his illness should be sought from the hospital,” Mehmoodur Rasheed’s lawyer pleaded with the court.

“The court has already issued orders for the treatment. The jail authorities are providing the treatment. You can go yourself and get a fresh report from the PIC about the treatment. Don’t get the court involved in these matters,” the court advised the lawyer.

Similarly, the judicial remand of Ejaz Chaudhry was extended for 14 days in the Jinnah House attack and vandalism case. The court ordered him to reappear on August 7 next.

Meanwhile, PTI leader and former health minister Yasmin Rashid was produced before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on completion of his judicial remand in cases of setting PML-N office on fire, Askari Tower attack, and setting fire to Shadman police station.