LAHORE: PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the decision to arrest chairman Imran Khan was made in haste and the party will challenge the verdict in court.
Speaking to a private channel, Qureshi said and said the “much-feared” ruling by a trial court was state-sanctioned and premeditated as police reached Zaman Park residence even before the verdict was announced.
“I reject the court’s verdict and believe it is a politically motivated and predetermined decision which was already expected,” he said, adding that the PTI chief has already been saying that the judiciary has decided to arrest and disqualify him.
Qureshi said that there are political motives behind the arrest of Chairman PTI Imran Khan. He said witnesses were also not allowed to appear in court. He said the P TI rejects the decision of the lower court.
He questioned whether the criteria of justice which is impartiality, adequate representation, and presenting witnesses before the jury, were fulfilled. He said if there was no one in the judiciary except Justice Humayun Dilawar who can dispense justice.
Qureshi said that the PTI chairman was not given the right to a fair trial which is a violation of Article 10 of the Constitution. He said the cases were repeatedly sent to the trial court with expectations that similar verdicts will be issued.
He said the judge should have recused himself when Imran Khan expressed his mistrust and indicated that the judiciary had made up its mind. He asked why the decision was taken in such haste and announced on weekends.
“It is a matter of concern that as the verdict is just being announced and the news was just aired on television, the police arrived at Zaman Park to take Imran Khan in.” He questioned if the police were already informed about the nature and the decision
Rejecting the verdict, the PTI senior leader said the requirements of justice were not met. He added the PTI will use its right to challenge the decision by knocking on the doors of the higher judiciary.
He said they party will defend Imran Khan with all legal means. He said the PTI’s core committee will issue its next line of action after the meeting. Qureshi said they will knock on the doors of the judiciary and the nation is watching
