Rawalpindi: Former Chief Minister of Punjab and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail, following decision by Lahore High Court (LHC) to grant him bail in an illegal recruitment case.

Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore administration has confirmed that former Punjab Chief Minister has been released. Following arguments from both sides, court approved bail application. Earlier in day, Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad presided over hearing at LHC, where Elahi's counsel, Amir Saeed Rawn argued for his release.

Later, Elahi reached to his residence in Lahore. Rawn highlighted that anti-corruption body had delayed filing case by two years and insisted that Elahi had neither accepted bribes nor been involved in recruitment process.

Rawn also accused Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab of planting fabricated evidence during raid at Elahi's residence. However, lawyer representing anti-corruption body maintained that case had been filed according to legal procedures and that Elahi was taken into custody on October 25, 2023.

Following deliberations, court approved Elahi's bail application, leading to his subsequent release from Kot Lakhpat Jail. Elahi had been transferred to this facility from Adiala Jail just few days prior.

Case against Elahi involved allegations of misusing his powers as Chief Minister to recruit low-ranking officer as his principal secretary in exchange for bribes. Despite anti-corruption lawyer's assertions, LHC's decision favoured Elahi, allowing him to be released from detention.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 22 2024

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