PTI President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi faced re-arrest on Sunday immediately after being discharged from a corruption case related to the Lahore Master Plan 2050 by a Lahore anti-corruption court, as confirmed by his attorney, Rana Intezar Hussain. Hussain stated that Elahi has been detained under charges related to a terrorism case and is being transported to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. This development comes amidst a wave of arrests targeting PTI leaders in the wake of violent protests that erupted following Imran Khan’s initial arrest on May 9.
Elahi was detained by the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Rawalpindi, marking his 12th arrest since June 1. During the ongoing court hearing, the anti-corruption officials requested Elahi’s physical remand, a motion strongly opposed by his legal team. The court later decided to discharge Elahi due to a lack of incriminating evidence, instructing authorities to release him unless needed for another case.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The legal proceedings stem from allegations that Elahi, in collusion with Lahore Development Authority Director Amir Ahmed Khan, illicitly modified the Lahore Master Plan 2050 in March 2021 during his tenure as Chief Minister. According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered on July 19, this modification significantly increased the value of land owned by Elahi’s sons in Kotli Rai Abu Bakar, a region in the Kasur district.
Initially, Elahi was charged under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947. Following his latest arrest, he was granted a one-day transit remand to appear before the relevant anti-corruption court in Lahore.
