November 4, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 8, 1424

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RAWALPINDI, Nov 3: The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to Islamabad SSP and the SHO of the Secretariat Police Station to explain if ARD President Javed Hashmi was arrested by them, and if so, why.

On a habeas corpus petition of lawmaker Memoona Javed Hashmi, Mr Justice Mansoor Ahmad issued notices to the first two respondents, Islamabad SSP and the SHO of the Secretariat Police Station to appear with record. No notice was issued to the State, the third respondent.

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and Advocate Syed Zafar Ali Shah informed the court that some people in plainclothes arrested Javed Hashmi on Oct 29.

Mr Aitzaz contended it was a habeas corpus petition and instead of adjourning it for 24 hours, the court should dispatch the bailiff immediately to recover the PML-N acting president.

Mr Hashmi was arrested from the Parliamentary Lodges on Oct 29.

Ms Memoona Hashmi stated that despite her best efforts, she could not obtain the copy of an FIR. Mr Aitzaz said that Mr Hashmi had been denied the facility of his defence, as his counsel were not being allowed to see him.

The petitioner prayed to the court to recover her father through the bailiff from what she called the illegal detention.

The counsel also stated that Mr Hashmi had not been produced before any court, adding that the detention was totally illegal and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution under Articles 4 (right of individuals to be dealt with in accordance with law) and 9 (security of person) were being infringed upon.

NA SPEAKER: In a related development National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain has said that he is considering issuing production order of ARD President Makhdoom Javed Hashmi for the ongoing session of the National Assembly.

Talking to a group of newsmen at the Parliament House here on Monday, the National Assembly Speaker said he had sought comments of the Law Division in this regard and was waiting for them.

However, he said, that he was not bound to follow the advice of the law division. He said he would take the decision on merit and according to law at an appropriate time.

The speaker expressed his concern over the attitude of the opposition members and termed it unparliamentary.

The speaker said that he had complete knowledge of the laws and rules and that he could take action against Opposition members for creating hurdles in the smooth running of the National Assembly session.