Former Punjab CM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Tuesday, following a decision by the Lahore High Court (LHC) to grant him bail in an illegal recruitment case.
Earlier in the day, Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad presided over the hearing at the LHC, where Elahi's counsel, Amir Saeed Rawn, argued for his release.
Rawn highlighted that the anti-corruption body had delayed filing the case by two years and insisted that Elahi had neither accepted bribes nor been involved in the recruitment process.
Rawn also accused the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab of planting fabricated evidence during a raid at Elahi's residence.
However, the lawyer representing the anti-corruption body maintained that the case had been filed according to legal procedures and that Elahi was taken into custody on October 25, 2023.
Following deliberations, the 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 a few days prior.
The case against Elahi involved allegations of misusing his powers as the chief minister to recruit a low-ranking officer as his principal secretary in exchange for bribes. Despite the anti-corruption lawyer's assertions, the LHC's decision favoured Elahi, allowing him to be released from detention.
Elahi vows to stand firm with Imran Khan
After release, taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chaudhry Parvez Elahi expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks be to God for vindicating me." He added, "May Allah grant me the strength to persevere."
Elahi extended his thanks to the judges who supported what was right and true, and he expressed his appreciation to everyone who prayed for him.
He highlighted the suffering and cruelty endured by the people of Gujarat, stating, "Our mandate was stolen in Gujarat."
He firmly declared that there would be no discussions with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain until their mandate was returned and those who were wronged in Gujarat are forgiven.
Elahi accused Mohsin Naqvi of playing a key role in his capture and mistreatment.
He reaffirmed his allegiance to the PTI, stating, "I was with PTI, Imran Khan and will remain so."
