LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday has ordered to immediately halt ongoing operation by Punjab Police and Rangers at Zaman Park, the residence of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
The LHC order came after after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed petition seeking to halt the operation going for two days by Punjab Police and Rangers to arrest party Chairman Imran Khan in Toshakhana Case.
During the course of proceedings, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh summoned IG, Chief Secretary Punjab and Police officials commanding the operation.
IG Punjab told the LHC that DIG Islamabad approached Punjab Police with request to assist in arresting Imran Khan. He said 59 police personnel including officers were injured in the operation and it had already been decided not to carry weapons in order to avert casualties that took place during rallies of TLP and other events.
On this occasion, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh asked what if the LHC stops operation till a judgement by Islamabad High Court was out, to which the IG said the police would comply with the court orders، adding that the Police wanted to apprehend elements involved in ransacking and vandalizing public, police properties.
After hearing the arguments, the LHC ordered immediate halt to the ongoing operation by Rangers and Police till 10am Thursday morning, with directives that Police to remain deployed in areas like Dharampura, Thandi Sarak, Mal and Canal Roads.