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