JHANG: A former member of the Punjab Assembly, Iftikhar Khan Baloch, was arrested by local police on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, on the orders of the deputy commissioner, under section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order.

Baloch allegedly delivered a hate speech at Sharifabad in the precincts of NA-114, a couple of days ago. He also allegedly used abusive and provocative words against the district administration, police and local MPA Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, according to police.

The DC, in his orders observed that the district police officer had reported to him that Iftikhar Khan Baloch delivered a fiery hate speech against the district administration and police, provoking the public to create law and order situation. He was also involved in activities which could cause disturbances during the month of Muharram, he added.

The DC, dubbing the former PML-N MPA as a habitual troublemaker, observed that his activities were detrimental to the public peace and safety.

Keeping in view his previous history and to prevent Mr Baloch from acting in a manner prejudicial to the public peace, safety and maintenance of public order, his detention for one month was necessary, the orders said.

Baloch had also been banned by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, from participating in political activities for possessing and presenting a fake bachelors degree before the concerned returning officer before the last general elections.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2019