Supreme Court Rejects Punjab’s Request for Imran Khan’s Physical Custody

PUNJAB (RNN TV) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the Punjab government’s appeals seeking physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, citing a lack of legal grounds for such a request over a year after his arrest.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Hashim Kakar and Justice Salahuddin Panhwar heard the case. While the court ruled that the provincial government may approach the trial court if it still wishes to pursue remand, it emphasized that Imran Khan’s legal team has the right to challenge any future applications.

Justice Kakar, delivering the verdict, noted, “A year and a half has passed since the arrest — the question of physical remand at this stage simply does not arise.”

The Punjab government had sought custody of the former prime minister to conduct various forensic tests, including photographic, polygraphic (lie-detector), and voice-matching exams. However, Justice Kakar clarified that the appeal focused solely on physical remand, not the forensic procedures themselves.

Justice Panhwar criticized the government’s approach, stating, “Such tests have never been conducted even in the most serious cases like murder or zina. One hopes the state shows the same urgency for justice in cases involving the common man.”

The verdict comes amid ongoing legal challenges for Khan, who has remained behind bars since mid-2023 on multiple charges, including corruption and inciting violence. Earlier this month, reports of planned forensic testing drew criticism from Khan’s legal team, who called the move politically driven and unwarranted at this stage.

Legal analysts say the decision signals the judiciary’s growing focus on procedural integrity and caution against executive overreach, especially in high-profile political cases.

Source: Web Desk