Former Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervez Elahi Released from Jail

Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, senior PTI leader and former Punjab chief minister, was released from prison on Tuesday, Headline PK reported.

The administration of Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore confirmed his release, and Elahi has since moved to his residence, Zahoor Elahi Palace in Gujrat.

Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted bail to Elahi in the illegal recruitment case. Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad presided over the hearing, where Elahi’s counsel, Amir Saeed Rawn, argued that the anti-corruption body had filed the case after a delay of two years. Rawn asserted that Elahi had neither accepted bribes nor been involved in the recruitment process, accusing the anti-corruption department of planting fake evidence during a raid at Elahi’s residence.

In contrast, the anti-corruption lawyer maintained that the case against Elahi was filed in accordance with legal procedures and that he was taken into custody on October 25, 2023. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved Elahi’s bail application.

Elahi had been booked by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab on charges of illegally recruiting a low-ranking officer as his principal secretary by misusing his powers while serving as chief minister and accepting bribes.