Islamabad: The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a summons to Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in his personal capacity on July 24, regarding the case concerning the murder of senior lawyer Abdul Razzaq Shar in Quetta.
Imran Khan, a former prime minister entangled in multiple legal cases, had approached the apex court to challenge his involvement in the incident that took place in June, wherein Advocate Shar was fatally shot by unidentified individuals riding on three motorcycles while en route to the Balochistan High Court (BHC).
An FIR had been registered against Imran Khan and others on the complaint of the deceased lawyer’s son, Advocate Siraj Ahmed, in Quetta. The charges brought against them include murder, Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) violations, and other offenses.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Ataullah Tarar accused Imran Khan directly of responsibility for the murder, alleging that the targeted killing was connected to a treason case against Imran under Article 6 of the Constitution, a case Shar was advocating for.
A three-member bench, comprising Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Mussarat Hilali, presided over Khan’s plea. During the hearing, Justice Afridi remarked that Khan must appear before the court to seek relief, urging Khan’s lawyer to convey the message to him to appear personally.
Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi inquired if the former premier could appear on the same day, to which lawyer Latif Khosa informed the court that Khan would be present in the Supreme Court within an hour.
Meanwhile, Justice Afridi suggested that it would be preferable for the government’s lawyer to submit their reply before proceeding further.
The lawyers representing the complainants of the case contended that the issue centered on the PTI chairman’s appearance before the joint investigation team (JIT) investigating the murder. In response, Khan’s lawyer stated that the defense does not recognize the JIT’s role in a murder case.
Justice Naqvi emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that the petitioner must appear in person to seek bail or request orders for quashing the FIR.