Hassaan Khan Niazi, a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and the nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan, has been transferred to military custody for trial in connection with his alleged involvement in the May 9 riots. This development was revealed during a Friday hearing at the Lahore High Court (LHC).
The court addressed the petition filed by Hafeezullah Khan Niazi, Hassaan Niazi’s father, who sought his son’s recovery and demanded an inquiry into the officials responsible for his “illegal” detention. The petitioner’s counsel also requested permission for the petitioner to meet with his son.
The legal representative for the Punjab government informed the court that Hassaan Niazi had been handed over to the military. He specified that Hassaan Niazi is the prime accused in the case related to the attack on Jinnah House on May 9.
In response to the court’s directive to present Hassaan Niazi, Additional Advocate General Ghulam Sarwar Nihung submitted a report on behalf of the relevant authorities. The report stated that the PTI leader had been transferred to military custody and highlighted his role in the Jinnah House attack case.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that while military custody could be authorized through proper legal channels, the involved Station House Officer (SHO) failed to adhere to the law. The counsel pointed out that Hassaan Niazi had been apprehended on August 13 and briefly held by the police on August 17, yet an official transit remand still needs to be obtained from a court.
The petitioner’s lawyer further requested the court to summon the responsible SHO to explain these actions. He asserted that the unauthorized transfer of Hassaan Niazi to military custody by the police was unlawful and urged the court to condemn it.
Additionally, the petitioner’s legal team sought the court’s permission for the petitioner, Hafeezullah Khan Niazi, to meet his detained son. Justice Tanvir inquired about potential objections from the law officer and instructed him to consult relevant regulations to determine the feasibility of arranging a meeting between the father and son.
After consultations, the court reserved its decision on the petitioner’s plea to meet Hassaan Niazi. Subsequently, the proceedings were adjourned until 2 pm.
Hassaan Niazi was arrested in Abbottabad a few days before the hearing, reportedly found at a friend’s residence. He was handed over to Quetta police by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) police.
The events leading up to his arrest were related to the May 9 riots, which erupted after the arrest of Imran Khan in Islamabad. PTI workers, including lawyers, gathered at various points in Lahore and later outside the Lahore Corps Commanders House.
Police allege that Hassaan Niazi led a gathering of lawyers from GPO Chowk Mall Road to the Jinnah House, a building in Lahore associated with the legal community.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case sheds light on the complexities of law and order about political activities and civil unrest. The allegations and actions surrounding Hassaan Niazi’s detention underscore the significance of adherence to proper legal procedures in maintaining justice and safeguarding individuals’ rights.