LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on Tuesday after several months of imprisonment.
His release followed a Lahore High Court (LHC) decision to grant bail in a case involving alleged illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly.
Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmad of the LHC delivered the previously reserved verdict. After his release, Elahi returned to his Zahoor Elahi residence.
In a statement, Elahi thanked his supporters for their unwavering support during his ordeal. “I am thankful to Allah for giving me the courage to remain steadfast. I am also grateful to the judges who stood by the truth and supported me.”
Parvez Elahi reaffirmed his commitment to the PTI and its founder, Imran Khan, saying, “I was with the party’s founder [Imran Khan] and will remain with him.”
He expressed appreciation for those who prayed for him and supported him through difficult times.
Elahi criticized the treatment of him and his party workers in Gujrat, stating, “We were subjected to injustice and oppression, and our mandate was stolen.”
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He warned there would be no reconciliation with the sons of his brother Shujaat Hussain until the people of Gujrat forgive them. He also accused Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of being a key figure in his persecution.
Elahi had sought post-arrest bail from the LHC. He was initially arrested by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) on October 25, 2023, over allegations of making 12 illegal appointments of grade 17 officers in the Punjab Assembly.
The ACE spokesperson claimed these appointments involved manipulating records and using fake testing services to benefit corrupt officials.
Elahi was first arrested on June 3 last year for recruitment issues in the Punjab Assembly. He was later detained on September 18 for allegedly making illegal appointments of Bhatti, after which a Lahore court sent him on judicial remand.
Although a judicial magistrate discharged Bhatti the following month, Elahi remained in jail due to other corruption cases and was initially denied bail.
