PTI demands recusal by IHC CJ in Imran’s cases

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek Insaf Core Committee expressed no confidence in Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Amir Farooq Monday, demanding his recusal from cases related to PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan.

Speaking at a press conference following the PTI Core Committee meeting, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan said that the committee harboured serious reservations about the conduct of IHC Chief Justice Farooq, who presided over all cases involving Imran Khan despite their objections.

Raoof reiterated the committee’s plea to Justice Amir Farooq to refrain from participating in any bench overseeing cases involving PTI’s founding chairman in the future.

He highlighted the committee’s concern regarding the sluggish pace of hearings in cases against Imran Khan, noting that the government was exerting considerable effort to further delay the proceedings.

Additionally, Raoof announced that the committee had taken significant decisions during the meeting, including the formation of a committee to support women’s families who have been imprisoned for the past 12 months, addressing the IMF’s agenda regarding Pakistan’s economic restoration and revitalisation, and other pertinent matters.

Furthermore, Raoof said that the committee had decided to file FIRs against PMLN’s Rana Sanaullah and Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Attempts were made to lodge an FIR on Monday, but the police hindered the process.

He warned that if the police did not change their stance, legal action would be pursued.

Expressing apprehension over the new IMF bailout package, Raoof emphasised that it would exacerbate inflation, demanding immediate relief measures for the inflation-burdened populace.

The PTI’s central information secretary revealed that PTI parliamentarians would stage a sit-in outside Adiala Jail and conduct an oath-taking ceremony to spotlight what they deemed as unjust treatment towards Imran Khan, whom they asserted was “unlawfully” detained in false cases.

Moreover, Raoof condemned the ongoing propaganda against PTI leaders Sajjad Burki and Atif Khan in the United States, expressing unwavering solidarity with them.

Lastly, Raoof denounced what he described as “unwarranted” interference in the affairs of Aitchison College by Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman, who allegedly instructed the principal to waive the fees of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema’s sons, resulting in the resignation of Principal Michael A. Thompson in protest.