Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi was released from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail on Tuesday, marking the end of his months-long incarceration. The development follows the approval of Elahi’s bail in the Punjab Assembly illegal recruitment case by the Lahore High Court (LHC). Justice Sultan Tanvir announced the reserved verdict on Elahi’s bail petition earlier in the day.
Upon his release, the PTI president returned to his residence in the provincial capital, Lahore. Elahi was one among several PTI leaders who were arrested in the aftermath of the May 9 incidents, which erupted into violent protests across the country following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case last year.
The riots resulted in attacks on public and private properties, including military installations, leading the army to declare May 9 as a “Black Chapter” in the country’s history. Elahi’s initial arrest occurred on June 1, 2023, outside his residence in connection with a corruption case. Despite being granted bail multiple times, he was rearrested subsequently.
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Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court directed the Interior Ministry to either place Elahi under house arrest within 15 days or transfer him to the hospital. This directive came after the court approved a petition seeking such measures.
In a statement following his release, Elahi expressed gratitude to Allah for his freedom and thanked the judges who supported the truth, leading to his release. He also highlighted the suffering endured by the people of Gujarat and alleged the theft of PTI’s mandate in his home city, stating that dialogue with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s family would not occur until their mandate was restored.
