The Islamabad High Court reserved its decision on Monday on the maintainability of a petition seeking the inclusion of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s name on the Exit Control List and the commencement of treason proceedings against him over an alleged ‘threat letter.’
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petition filed by Maulvi Iqbal Haider, in which it was requested that the court place the names of former Prime Minister Fawad Chaudhry, former Federal Ministers Fawad Chaudhry, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, and Pakistani diplomat Asad Majeed on the ECL and ordered that a treason case be initiated by a trial court against them
Lawyer Maulvi Iqbal Haider stated during his arguments that the alleged letter harmed our ties with America. He also informed the court that treason proceedings had been initiated against former President Pervez Musharraf based on his petition.
The chief justice expressed his displeasure, saying, “Do not compare Imran Khan to Musharraf because Imran was elected prime minister.” It is the responsibility of the state, not the court, to investigate the letter. “What brings you to court?”
The lawyer stated that it was not a letter, but rather a cable.
CJ Minallah inquired of the lawyer as to the distinction between a letter and a cable. “It’s a sensitive issue; why would you want to politicize it?” the judge asked.
The chief justice inquired about Iqbal Haider’s plea.
According to the lawyer, the interior secretary was obligated to investigate the threat letter, which the former premier claimed was about toppling his government.
The lawyer pleaded with the court to issue an order directing that the complaint be sent to the trial court, which would then initiate treason proceedings against the relevant individuals.
