Thai Oil Crisis Eases After Government Intervention

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that illness, physical weakness, old age or disability can serve as valid legal grounds for granting post-arrest bail, issuing an important judgment on bail applications filed on medical grounds. Justice Amjad Rafiq issued a detailed written verdict while deciding the post-arrest bail petition of Dr Iftikhar Ahmed, who is suffering from Parkinsonism, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and physical independence. The court observed that if a prison medical report confirms that an accused is physically weak, there is no need to separately assess the severity of the illness. It held that physical weakness itself may be sufficient to justify consideration for bail. According to the judgment, illness and physical weakness are separate legal grounds for granting bail. The court noted that imprisonment can cause greater hardship for elderly, physically weak and disabled individuals, and the justice system should protect them from unnecessary physical suffering. The LHC further stated that the bail application had not been filed on the merits of the criminal case but solely because of the accused’s deteriorating physical condition. The prison medical report confirmed that Dr Iftikhar Ahmed was suffering from Parkinsonism, a disease that gradually limits a person’s physical abilities and independence. Rejecting the prosecution’s argument, the court ruled that the mere fact an accused is receiving medical treatment in prison cannot, by itself, be used as a reason to deny bail. The judgment also referred to principles of Islamic law and international judicial precedents, stating that sick, elderly and vulnerable individuals are entitled to special legal protection and humane treatment. The Lahore High Court granted post-arrest bail to Dr Iftikhar Ahmed against surety bonds of Rs1 million. The court directed the accused not to influence prosecution witnesses, to surrender his passport and not to leave the court’s jurisdiction without prior permission. Dr Iftikhar Ahmed has been in jail since March 2025 in a case registered at Sabzazar Police Station, where he is accused of administering an incorrect injection to a citizen’s son. The criminal proceedings will continue in accordance with the law.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is holding nationwide demonstrations on Friday against the petroleum levy, rising fuel prices and inflation. The party has announced protests and sit-ins in major cities and districts across the country. Demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 4pm. According to the party, protests will be held along hundreds of major roads and highways in around 170 districts. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi are among the cities where demonstrations have been planned. Several major locations have also been selected for sit-ins. These include Qurtaba Chowk in Lahore, Stop No. 26 in Islamabad, Mian Ghundi Chowk in Quetta and the Toll Plaza in Peshawar. Other protest points include Bosan Road in Multan, the Indus Highway in Karak, CPEC Chowk in Bannu and the Chakdara interchange. JI leaders have warned that the protest campaign could be expanded if authorities attempt to prevent the demonstrations. The party said the number of roads and highways involved could increase significantly. In Karachi, JI leaders said protest caravans would begin moving from several locations at 4pm. These include Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Hub Road, National Highway, Super Highway, Orangi, Korangi, Pakistan Chowk and Sher Shah. The caravans are expected to gather at Mazar-e-Quaid before moving towards Shahrah-e-Faisal. Karachi JI chief Monem Zafar Khan said the demonstrations would continue until the petroleum levy was withdrawn. He said roads along some protest routes could remain closed during the demonstrations. He added that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, would be allowed to pass. JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had called for the nationwide action a day earlier. In a video message, he urged citizens to join the peaceful demonstrations and asked motorists to park their cars and motorcycles on roads at 4pm. The JI leadership has criticised the government over fuel-related taxes and the rising cost of essential goods. The party says ordinary citizens are facing increasing financial pressure because of higher fuel prices and indirect taxation. Hafiz Naeem also claimed that prices of several food items had increased over the past month. He said motorcycle users and other low-income citizens were particularly affected by higher fuel costs. The JI chief argued that people who do not fall within the formal income-tax system are also paying taxes through fuel levies and other indirect charges. He claimed the government collected around Rs1.9 trillion through the petroleum levy during the past year. The party has warned that further taxation could increase the burden on households if the government does not reconsider its policies. JI leaders are calling on citizens to participate in the protests and press the government to withdraw the petroleum levy