LAHORE, Dec 16: The Provincial Review Board extended on Friday for one month the detention of Malik Ishaq and Ghulam Rasool Shah, the leaders of a banned outfit, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LeJ).

The review board consisting of Justice Nasir Saeed Sheikh, Justice Manzoor Ahmed Malik and Justice Sheikh Ahmed Farooq of the Lahore High Court held in-camera proceedings and heard the representative of the Punjab government and the detained leaders. The DPOs of Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar produced Ishaq and Shah, respectively, before the board amid tight security.

The Punjab home department, through its counsel, requested the board to extend detention of Ishaq and Shah for three months on the plea that release of both would create a law and order situation in the province. Ishaq and Shah also addressed the board and opposed the home department’s request.

Malik Ishaq was involved in 44 cases involving 70 murders. Courts acquitted him in 34 cases and granted bail in the remaining 10. He was released from Kot Lakhpat Jail on July 14, 2011, after Supreme Court granted bail in last case pertaining to attack on Sri Lankan cricket team.

Later, the Punjab government approached the SC for the cancellation of his bail but the apex court dismissed the plea.

Thereafter, the government detained Ishaq in Rahim Yar Khan Jail for 10 days under Maintenance of Public Order. The detention order was extended for 60 days on Oct 25.