Imran adamant on rigging stance, LHC hearing marred by ruckus
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LAHORE: The Lahore High Court's (LHC) hearing of a writ petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan challenging an order of the Election Commission of Pakistan on an appeal for vote recount in Lahore's NA-122 constituency was adjourned to May 12, DawnNews reported.
The hearing led by LHC's Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial began with a delay after the PTI chief's appearance was marred by a scuffle between party activists and security personnel deputed at court premises.
By the time the hearing began, Khan had already left the court's premises and returned to his residence.
During the hearing, Justice Bandial said the courts respected all politicians but at the same time respecting the courts was also mandatory for all politicians.
He further said that the difference between the premises of a courtroom and a rally point should be clear.
When Khan's counsel Ahmad Awais offered a verbal apology over the incident, Justice Bandial refused to accept it and sought a written explanation over the incident.
He later adjourned the hearing to May 12.
Khan had lost Lahore's NA-122 to Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz's (PML-N's) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq who is the incumbent Speaker of the National Assembly.
Imran adamant on rigging charges
After reaching his residence, Khan in a press conference reiterated his stance on the rigging charges that he had earlier leveled against former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and the Jang media group.
He said those involved in rigging should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution.
He said a movement would be launched against the government if it tried to stop the protest rally scheduled to held by the PTI on May 11 against rigging.
Khan also accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of playing the role of friendly opposition.
Speaking on the peace talks between the government and the Pakistani Taliban, Khan advocated that the process was in the interests of Pakistan.
He also said that the trial of former military dictator Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf should be resolved in accordance with the law and Constitution of Pakistan.
