ISLAMABAD – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has granted protection to thePresident of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and adjourned cases against himpertaining to the Parliament and Pakistan Television (PTV) attacks duringthe 2014 sit-ins in the capital.
ATC judge Kausar Abbas Zaidi has granted protection to President Alvi underArticle 248 (2) of the Constitution and the case has been “adjourned sinedie” – with no appointed date for resumption. In the order, Judge Zaidistated that Alvi is entitled for protection because he was elected and hastaken oath as the President of Pakistan.
Since, the judge stated, the law of land gives protection to President fromcriminal proceedings, therefore, proceedings against Alvi are adjournedsine die and court will resume proceedings against him after expiry of histerm in office.
Under clause (2) of the Article 248 (Protection to President, Governor,Minister, etc), “no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted orcontinued against the President or a Governor in any Court during his termof office.”
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Interestingly, counsel for the President, Muhammad Ali Bokhari, said he wasnot aware of any such order because he has not sought any such relief fromATC. While talking to media Bokhari said that the case was not fixed forhearing on Wednesday; the next date of hearing is October 1 and if thecourt has passed any such order on the previous date of hearing, it was notin his knowledge.
