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LHC throws out Imran Khan’s protective bail plea in ECP protest case

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LAHORE: As Imran Khan failed to appear in person before the Lahore High Court (LHC), it rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman’s plea seeking protective bail in a case registered against him over protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office.

The LHC announced the verdict as the PTI chief did not appear before the court even after multiple adjournments today.

Khan moved the high court after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad cancelled his bail in the same case a day earlier over non-appearance.

The ousted prime minister, who was removed from power via a no-confidence move, was booked in the case in October last year after the Toshakhana verdict was announced by the ECP, sparking countrywide protests. Khan had been on bail on medical grounds after he was injured in an assassination attempt in Wazirabad during a rally on November 3.

Today’s hearing  

At the outset of the hearing, Advocate Azhar Siddique submitted his power of attorney on behalf of Imran Khan who was directed to appear before the court in person today.

“A meeting with Imran Khan’s doctors is going on and the party has concerns over his security,” the lawyer argued before the court and requested additional time.

“How much time do you need?” asked Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh.

To this query, the counsel said that they will try their best to ensure Imran Khan’s presence in two hours.

After hearing this, the court adjourned the hearing till 12:30pm.

Once the hearing resumed, Siddique’s associate requested more time. The court then adjourned the hearing till 2pm.

When the hearing resumed again, the counsel told the court that another bail plea has been filed. He also shared that they had met the doctors and are ready to follow court orders. The lawyer also told the court that the doctor of the former prime minister was also present in the court.

However, Justice Sheikh said that they do not want to hear from the doctor. “Imran Khan must appear in court,” he remarked.

The counsel then asked the court to wait for the other bail plea that was being filed.

“There is no need to wait for it, present your arguments on the current petition,” asked Justice Sheikh.

The lawyer then told the judge that he wants to withdraw the current petition.

At this, Justice Sheikh remarked the problem is that there are different signs of Imran Khan on the affidavit and power of attorney.

“How can the signatures be different?” asked the court.

Khan’s lawyer then asked the court to give him time to look into the matter.

“You look at it right now. Someone tried to commit fraud, I will issue contempt of court notice to you or Imran Khan,” remarked Justice Sheikh. He added that he will not allow the petition to be taken back till the issue is resolved.

“I will have to take instructions from Imran Khan on this,” responded Siddique.

The court then took notice of the different signatures and adjourned the hearing till 6:30 pm.

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The PPP requests the image of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on currency notes.

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The resolution was passed during a seminar named ‘Bhutto Reference and History’, which focused on Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

The resolution praised the Supreme Court’s admission that the PPP founder’s trial, which resulted in his execution, was unfair and urged that the federal government confer on him the title of “Quaid-e-Awam” (Leader of the People) and the highest civilian honor, Nishan-e-Pakistan.

Aside from demanding that Bhutto’s image be used on currency notes, the resolution also asked for the construction of a fitting monument in his honor and the designation of his mausoleum as a national shrine.

Furthermore, it demands for the reversal of Bhutto’s unjust death sentence and the creation of a “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Award” for democracy activists who have given their lives for the cause.

In March, the National Assembly passed a resolution characterizing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s trial as judicial murder.

The Supreme Court released its reserved opinion on the presidential reference against the ‘controversial’ death sentence imposed on PPP founder, stating that the former prime minister was denied a “fair trial”.

A nine-judge court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa revealed its decision on the long-pending presidential reference to determine if it can reconsider its verdict, which the PPP and jurists perceive as a historic error.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was sentenced to death under former military dictator General (retired) Ziaul Haq’s administration.

The first elected prime minister of the country was charged with the murder of a political competitor, Nawab Mohammed Ahmed Qasuri, and a trial was held.

Bhutto was executed on April 4, 1979, despite requests and appeals for leniency and pity from various heads of state.

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The ‘clinics on wheels’ initiative is introduced by CM Maryam.

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Punjab is heading toward progress and prosperity, according to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Speaking at the ‘clinics on wheels’ project celebration, the chief minister emphasized how this project will improve public health and change the health system.

She emphasized that all of the essential medical facilities were included in the Clinics on Wheels scheme. There would be multiple locations for the 200 mobile clinics. Gynecology services, screenings, immunizations, and medical testing will all be offered at the clinics.

There will be ultrasound equipment available at 50 of the 200 mobile clinic locations. Up to 4 million people will be helped by this endeavor, especially in places without hospital services.

First choice for local physicians to volunteer for this project will be granted to those from 36 districts. Consideration is also being given to the lack of paramedical and nursing personnel.

The project, which was started by Nawaz Sharif and put on hold by the previous administration, is being restarted, according to the chief minister. According to her, her government’s goal is to deliver healthcare right to people’s doors.

Additionally, she revealed that eight districts in Punjab would have the construction of modern cardiology hospitals.

With Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Imran Nazir, and Health Secretary Ali Khan in attendance, CM Maryam officially launched the clinics on wheels project.

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Governor-rule attempt that is intolerable: Gandapur

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Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of KP denounced the incident on May 9 and promised that those in charge will face national scrutiny.

While eight FIRs have been filed against him in eight different districts, Gandapur stressed that none of the accusations have been validated.

Proving he was going nowhere without a fight, Gandapur issued a warning against tampering with democracy.

Any attempt to obstruct progress will be greeted with strong resistance, he warned, so avoid using disruptive tactics.

Gandapur declared, “We will seize the governor’s mansion and I will not keep quiet about the chief minister’s seat if governor law is imposed.”

With the media there to ensure transparency, the Chief Minister boldly challenged his predecessor, Pervez Khattak, to participate in a public discussion in the Kaaba.

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