LAHORE: Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was apprehended by anti-corruption officials outside his residence in Lahore on Thursday.
The arrest took place when anti-corruption personnel stopped Elahi’s car near Zahoor Elahi’s house in Lahore’s Gulberg area.
A spokesperson for Elahi has confirmed the arrest.
This development follows a recent decision by an anti-corruption court to reject Elahi’s temporary bail due to his failure to appear before the court, citing health issues.
Punjab Information Minister Amir Mir also confirmed Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s arrest, stating that he was wanted by the anti-corruption department and was apprehended while attempting to flee.
He said that Elahi is an expert at hiding, but since the area had been under siege for several days, if he had not come out today, he might not have been arrested.
He mentioned that resistance was encountered during Chaudhry Elahi’s arrest, and the vehicle in which he was present had bulletproof windows. When attempts were made to open the door, it remained locked, and efforts were made to break the car’s windows. Eventually, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi emerged from inside the vehicle.
It is worth noting that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi had previously applied for bail in corruption cases, but the Gujranwala Anti-Corruption Court had rejected his bail application, as it is necessary for the accused to appear in court for bail.
Elahi’s arrest is linked to a corruption case involving the misappropriation of Rs70 million in development funds allocated for the Gujrat district.
Additionally, the judge presiding over the anti-corruption court declared Elahi’s medical certificate, which claimed he was experiencing chest pain, as false.
