ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic turn of events, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted a two-day physical remand for former Punjab Chief Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi.

The ATC directed the Islamabad Police to produce Elahi before the court on September 8, 2023. This decision came after Elahi initially refused to leave with the police when the ATC reserved its verdict on their request for a 15-day physical remand.

Duty judge Shahrukh Arjumand presided over the proceedings as the ATC judge was on leave. Elahi stands accused of allegedly sending rioters to vandalize a judicial complex in Islamabad and providing them with vehicles and batons. The police sought his physical remand to question Elahi about unidentified criminals and recover the vehicles.

Elahi's defense counsel vehemently opposed the police's request, labeling it as "ridiculous." The defense also informed the court that Elahi had been acquitted in two cases in Gujranwala but was arrested immediately upon his release, alleging political victimization. They further highlighted Elahi's poor health, citing back problems.

During the proceedings, Elahi expressed fears of potential arrest by an accountability court once he left the ATC premises, claiming, "A certain SP sahab came to me last night and said I will be arrested in a 17-year-old NAB case."

Ultimately, after a brief standoff, Elahi agreed to comply with court orders. This development has fueled controversy and raised questions about the legal and political dimensions surrounding his case. The situation remains dynamic as the legal process unfolds.