IHC Directs Adiala Jail to Obtain PTI Founder’s Signatures in Al-Qadir Case
The Islamabad High Court directed Adiala Jail authorities to obtain the signatures of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder on the power of attorney during the Al-Qadir case hearing on Wednesday. The court heard appeals against the conviction of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar also instructed lawyers to begin arguments at the next hearing. In addition, he warned that the law would take its course if the legal team failed to proceed. The hearing also focused on concerns raised by lawyers regarding access to signatures and legal representation.
Advocate Salman Akram Raja informed the court that senior lawyer Salman Safdar could not immediately continue the appeals because of an eye condition and medical examinations abroad. However, Chief Justice Dogar stated that another lawyer should begin arguments if Salman Safdar remained unavailable. The court also questioned delays in obtaining signatures for the power of attorney from the PTI founder.
Court Questions Delays in Legal Process
During the proceedings, Salman Akram Raja argued that jail authorities were responsible for arranging signatures on legal documents. However, he claimed officials showed reluctance in cooperating with the legal team. In response, Chief Justice Dogar advised the lawyers to approach the Federal Constitutional Court if jail authorities continued creating obstacles.
The court stressed the importance of moving the case forward without unnecessary delays. Therefore, the judges directed the legal team to prepare for arguments at the next hearing. The remarks highlighted growing pressure to proceed with the appeals process in a timely manner.
Lawyers Protest Outside Court
Meanwhile, PTI lawyers and members of the legal team raised slogans outside the Islamabad High Court after the hearing. Several lawyers also sat on the ground inside the court premises while continuing their protest. Consequently, the situation created tension in the area for some time.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Salman Akram Raja said he requested Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to schedule pending cases involving the PTI founder. According to Raja, the chief justice assured him that the cases would be fixed for hearing after Eid.
