LAHORE: Former Punjab CM and President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has been released from Kot Lakhpat Jail and has returned to his residence, Zahoor Elahi Palace after the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted bail to him in an illegal recruitment case,
During the hearing presided over by Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad, Elahi’s counsel, Amir Saeed Rawn, argued for his client’s release, citing delays in filing the case by the anti-corruption body and denying Elahi’s involvement in the alleged recruitment misconduct.
Rawn accused the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab of fabricating evidence during a raid at Pervaiz Elahi’s residence, while the anti-corruption body maintained that the case was filed according to legal procedures.
Following deliberations, the LHC approved Elahi’s bail application, resulting in his release from Kot Lakhpat Jail, where he had been transferred from Adiala Jail days earlier.
The case against Pervaiz Elahi involved accusations of misusing his authority as chief minister to appoint a low-ranking officer as his principal secretary in exchange for bribes. Despite the assertions of the anti-corruption lawyer, the LHC’s decision favored Elahi, allowing him to leave detention.
After release, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi took to X and expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks be to God for vindicating me.” He added, “May Allah grant me the strength to persevere.” He vowed allegiance to PTI and Imran Khan, asserting his commitment to the party despite the ordeal.
He rejected any talks with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain until their mandate was returned and those who were wronged in Gujarat are forgiven. The former chief minister accused the interior minister 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.”
