ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested responses from the Senate Secretary, the federal government, and other relevant parties regarding a petition seeking a production order for PTI Senator Ijaz Chaudhry to attend Senate sessions.
The petition was heard by IHC Interim Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar. Senator Chaudhry, the petitioner, stated that he was initially arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) on May 9, 2023, but was released following a Lahore High Court order. However, he was subsequently re-arrested in connection with a case related to the May 9 incidents, which he claims is fabricated.
“I am currently detained in a Lahore prison, despite my constitutional right to attend Senate sessions as a sitting senator,” the petitioner argued. He urged the court to issue a production order allowing him to participate in all Senate sessions and joint meetings of Parliament.
During the hearing, Justice Dogar questioned whether the case fell within the IHC’s jurisdiction. The petitioner’s lawyer, Babar Awan, referenced precedents such as the cases of Muhammad Khan Junejo and Javed Hashmi, asserting that the matter indeed falls under the IHC’s purview.
The court has adjourned the hearing, seeking detailed replies from the concerned authorities before proceeding further.
