'Could be any one of us', Pakistan court orders probe into 'kidnapping' of ex-PM Imran Khan’s lawyer

A Pakistani court ordered Islamabad Police on Monday to investigate the alleged kidnapping of Intazar Hussain Panjutha, a lawyer for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan.

Panjutha, who identifies himself as Imran Khan’s focal person on the social media platform X, is among the most prominent lawyers representing the former prime minister in multiple high-profile cases.

A petition for Panjutha’s recovery was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last month, with the PTI accusing the government and state agencies of abducting him to pressure the party—a claim the government denies.

Panjutha was recovered Saturday night, but the PTI labeled the development “scripted” and called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, addressing the case in court today, directed the Kohsar Police’s Station House Officer (SHO) to contact the lawyer within two days and record his statement. Justice Farooq voiced serious concerns about Islamabad’s rising law and order challenges, noting a significant increase in street crime and missing persons cases.

“I saw Intazar Panjutha’s case on television and felt bad. This situation is an embarrassment for our institutions and for everyone. What used to happen in Karachi is now happening here, too. Cases of missing persons and street crime have significantly increased in Islamabad,” Justice Farooq said.

“Even some people I know personally have received extortion slips in Islamabad,” he added.

'Could be any one of us'

During the hearing, Justice Farooq engaged with PTI’s lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, criticizing the "misallocation of resources". “If agencies pursue ‘terrorists’ like me, street crime will naturally rise,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for better resource focus.

Defense lawyer Ali Bukhari echoed these concerns, warning that any resident could face similar treatment. “Today it’s Intezar; tomorrow it could be me,” Bukhari said. Justice Farooq responded, “It could be any one of us,” underscoring the importance of public safety.

The IHC Chief Justice stressed that Panjutha’s case must not become acceptable in a lawful society, urging the government to protect freedom of expression.

Justice Farooq also called on Shoaib Shaheen to discourage negative campaigns against government officials, highlighting the need to respect law officers in their roles as agents of justice.

Who is Intazar Hussain Panjutha?

Panjutha serves as one of the primary defense lawyers for jailed former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, who faces numerous criminal cases including charges under Pakistan's Official Secrets Act, allegations of corruption in the Toshakhana case, and accusations related to the May 9, 2023, riots.

Imran Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, maintains these charges are politically motivated.

Panjutha's role has become increasingly prominent as Imran Khan's legal troubles mounted, particularly in defending the former premier in the cipher case, where Khan is accused of exposing state secrets by releasing a confidential diplomatic cable to the public.

The PTI alleges that Panjutha's abduction follows a pattern of intimidation against Khan's legal team. According to the party, his kidnapping was orchestrated by state actors to pressure him into abandoning Khan's defense.

Law enforcement authorities have consistently denied these allegations.