LAHORE: Hassaan Khan Niazi, a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader and the nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan, has been handed over to the military for a trial over his alleged involvement in the May 9 riots, Lahore High Court (LHC) was told on Friday.
The court was hearing the petition of Hafeezullah Khan Niazi, the father of Hassaan Niazi, who sought his son’s recovery and inquiry against the responsible officials over this “illegal” detention. His counsel further requested the court to allow the petitioner to meet with his son.
The legal counsel for the Punjab government informed the court that Hassaan Niazi has been handed over to the military, adding that he is the prime accused in the case related to the attack on Jinnah House on May 9.
The court granted the government lawyer time to inquire whether a meeting between Hassaan Niazi and his father could be arranged, considering both are now in military custody.
During the initial session of proceedings, Additional Advocate General Ghulam Sarwar Nihung submitted a report on behalf of the concerned quarters, in response to the court’s directive to present the detainee, Hassaan Niazi today.
The report stated that the PTI leader had been transferred into the military custody and asserted his central role in the Jinnah House attack case.
The petitioner’s legal counsel countered, contending that while military custody could be authorised through proper legal channels, the involved Station House Officer (SHO) failed to adhere to the law. The counsel highlighted that Hassaan Niazi had been apprehended on August 13, briefly held by the police on August 17, yet no official transit remand was obtained from a court.
The petitioner’s counsel further implored the court to summon the SHO responsible for an explanation of these actions. He argued that the police’s unauthorised transfer of Hassaan Niazi to military custody was unlawful and called for its condemnation.
The lawyer also sought the court’s permission for the petitioner to meet his detained son, emphasising the urgency of the matter. In response, Justice Tanvir questioned potential objections from the law officer, prompting the latter to express the need to consult relevant regulations.
Justice Tanvir instructed the law officer to provide an update following consultations with concerned quarters regarding the feasibility of a meeting between father and son. Nevertheless, the court adjourned the proceedings until 2pm.
In a subsequent round of proceedings, held within Justice Tanvir’s chamber, lawyers told the reporters that a decision had been reserved on the petitioner’s plea to meet Hassaan Niazi, in light of his father’s request.
Earlier, the Punjab Police had sought the custody of Hassaan Niazi, wanted in May 9 Jinnah House attack from Quetta police.
Niazi was arrested a few days back from Abbottabad while reportedly hiding at a friend’s place. The K-P police had handed him over to Quetta police.
On May 9, initially PTI workers after Imran Khan’s arrest from Islamabad had gathered at six different points in the provincial metropolis before gathering outside Lahore Corps Commanders House.
Police allege Niazi had led a gathering, majority of the lawyers, from GPO Chowk Mall Road to the Jinnah House.
