LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Monday dismissed an application of PTI leader Azam Swati seeking transfer of his case from one antiterrorism court to another.

At the outset of the hearing, a lawyer for the petitioner contended that the ATC judge had disclosed his bias during the proceedings of his client’s pre-arrest bail in May 9 riot cases.

He pointed out that ATC Judge Khalid Arshad had mentioned that police gave him a USB containing videos of the alleged occurrences, and it was concluded that those making speeches were guilty.

Chief Justice Neelum asked the counsel how he could request a transfer of cases to another court by alleging bias against the judge.

Elahi given last chance to appear before court in illegal appointments case

The lawyer then requested for more time to prepare his arguments, which the chief justice denied, saying if there was no argument, the court would pass a decision. She observed that the petitioner had not so far joined the investigation.

The lawyer said police were not recording the statement of the petitioner. After hearing the arguments, the chief justice dismissed Mr Swati’s application.

Indictment of Parvez Elahi

A special anti-corruption court on Monday expressed displeasure over the continuous absence of former chief minister Parvez Elahi in a case relating to illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly, giving him one last opportunity to appear.

Mr Elahi’s lawyer presented a medical report before the court, saying doctors advised his client a complete rest. He requested the court to allow his client a one-time exemption from personal appearance for health reasons.

The court accepted the request, but made it clear to the lawyer that it would be a last opportunity.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till September 4.

Mr Elahi has not joined a single hearing of the case since his release on bail in May.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment registered the FIR alleging that illegal appointments of BS-17 posts were made in the assembly when Mr Elahi was the chief minister and co-suspect Muha­m­mad Khan Bhatti was his principal secretary in 2021.

The prosecution alleged that favourite candidates were appointed to the posts despite being declared failed in written examination.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2024