Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Ali Baqar Najafi has summoned renowned fashion designer Khadija Shah to appear before the court following the issuance of her transit remand by an anti-terrorism court (ATC). The transit remand was granted to Balochistan police in connection with a case registered against her in Quetta.
During the court proceedings, Barrister Sameer Khosa, the petitioner’s counsel, raised concerns about the treatment meted out to Khadija. The petitioner’s legal team emphasized the need to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding her arrest and detention.
Anti-Terrorism Court Proceedings
Earlier on Monday, Balochistan police sought a transit remand for Khadija, presenting an application before the ATC in Quetta. The police argued that arrest warrants had been issued by the ATC, and they needed the transit remand to conduct further investigations and present her before the relevant court. ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan granted a two-day transit remand for Khadija.
LHC’s Earlier Proceedings
Justice Ali Baqar Najafi had previously reserved a decision on a plea challenging the ‘detention order’ of Khadija. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s explanations regarding the legality of Khadija’s arrest and detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for 30 days.
The petitioner, Jehanzeb Amin, Khadija’s husband, filed a plea seeking to prevent authorities from moving her out of Lahore’s jurisdiction. The court had granted Khadija post-arrest bail in two FIRs related to incidents at Askari Tower and Jinnah House during the May 9 riots. However, she was subsequently arrested in a third FIR related to alleged abetting of arson in Rahat Bakery.
Contempt Plea and IGP’s Appearance
Khadija filed a contempt plea accusing police high-ups of deceiving the court by initially reporting only two FIRs against her. This plea is pending before Justice Ali Baqar Najafi. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, appeared before the court but failed to satisfy the court’s queries regarding Khadija’s arrest in the third case despite being granted bail in the first two.
Justice Najafi questioned the police’s decision to wait for the court’s final order on bail and raised concerns about the lack of interrogation during custody. The judge emphasized the need for assurances that Khadija would not be re-arrested if granted bail in the third FIR.
The legal proceedings continue to unfold, shedding light on the complexities surrounding Khadija Shah’s case. The Lahore High Court remains vigilant in its examination of the circumstances leading to her arrest and detention.
