Former AJK PM Sent to Jail Amid Passport Misuse Probe

In a recent development, a local court in Islamabad has refused the Federal Investigation Agency's request for an extension of former Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas's physical remand. Instead, the court has decided to send him to jail on judicial remand. This decision comes in light of the FIA's investigation into the alleged misuse of a diplomatic passport by Ilyas.

During the court hearing, the FIA prosecutor sought more time to recover the diplomatic passport and conduct further investigations. However, the judge highlighted that Ilyas no longer held any official position that would entitle him to a diplomatic passport.

Following the court's ruling, Ilyas's lawyer requested a medical check-up for his client, citing health concerns. The court has instructed the FIA to conduct the medical examination as requested.

Subsequently, Ilyas's legal team filed a petition seeking post-arrest bail for their client. The court has issued notices to both parties and scheduled arguments on the plea for the upcoming hearing.

The FIA officials presented Ilyas before a civil judge to secure his physical remand in connection with the possession and alleged misuse of his diplomatic passport subsequent to his tenure as the premier of AJK.

The prosecution alleged that Ilyas had improperly utilized his diplomatic passport to travel to Saudi Arabia after his term concluded, despite the passport being invalidated. They requested an eight-day physical remand to retrieve the passport, but the court granted only a three-day remand for further investigation.

The defence counsel argued in favor of Ilyas, asserting that as a former prime minister, he was within his rights to use the diplomatic passport.

The court's decision to deny the extension of physical remand and instead send Ilyas to judicial remand signifies a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The case highlights the importance of adhering to legal protocols regarding the use of official documents, even after the conclusion of one's term in office. As the legal proceedings continue, further clarity is expected to emerge regarding the allegations against the former AJK Prime Minister.