LHC issues show-cause notice to Islamabad IG for contempt of court in Elahi case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a show-cause notice to Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan for contempt of court in the case of the re-arrest of PTI President Parvez Elahi.

The notice was issued on Monday during a hearing of a petition filed by Elahi’s wife, Qaisara Elahi, seeking the production of her husband in court.

Qaisara’s lawyer, Tariq Nasrullah Warraich, told the court that Elahi was re-arrested by Islamabad police on Friday, even though the LHC had already ordered his release.

He said that Elahi was taken into custody by a team of police officers in plain clothes, who did not show any identification.

Warraich said that Elahi was taken to Attock Jail, where he is currently being held.

He requested the court to issue a show-cause notice to the Islamabad IG for contempt of court and to order the production of Elahi in court.

The LHC judge, Justice Amjad Rafiq, issued the show-cause notice to the Islamabad IG and directed him to appear in court on Wednesday to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

The judge also directed the relevant district and sessions court judge to appear in court along with Elahi.

The re-arrest of Elahi has sparked outrage among PTI leaders and supporters.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan has called the arrest “illegal” and “a violation of the constitution”.

He has demanded the release of Elahi and other PTI leaders who have been arrested by the government.

The LHC’s show-cause notice to the Islamabad IG is a significant development in the case.

It will be interesting to see how the IG responds to the notice and whether he is ultimately held in contempt of court.