Lahore ATC grants a final opportunity for Ejaz Chaudhry’s bail arguments

Lahore– The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) granted defence lawyers a final opportunity to present arguments on the bail applications of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ejaz Chaudhry in seven ongoing cases.

The hearing, presided over by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill, saw the absence of Ejaz Chaudhry’s senior lawyer, who was reportedly engaged in proceedings at the Lahore High Court. Despite this, the police presented records for all seven cases in court.

Chaudhry’s associate lawyer informed the court that the senior counsel was unavailable, prompting Judge Gill to express dissatisfaction. The judge remarked that while the court often faces criticism for delays in decisions, lawyers repeatedly fail to attend hearings. “They have been absent for several hearings,” the judge stated.

Administrative Judge Manzar Ali Gill emphasised that this would be the final opportunity for Chaudhry’s lawyer to present arguments. He warned that if the senior lawyer failed to appear at the next hearing, the court would proceed to make a decision based on the available records.

The court has adjourned the hearing on Ejaz Chaudhry’s bail applications until January 22, 2025.