LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has transferred the case against Malik Ishaq, leader of banned militant organisation Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), to an ATC in Multan on the orders of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

During the ATC hearing, the case against Ishaq’s alleged spreading of religious dissent was transferred to an anti-terrorism court in Multan on the orders of Lahore High Court.

Malik Ishaq's case was moved to an ATC in Multan due to his status as a high-profile terrorist. Ishaq cannot be presented in court in Lahore as he is detained in Multan.

The hearing of the case will commence from Feb 14 in Multan.

He was also previously arrested over charges relating hate-speech and inciting violence.

Having faced charges relating to killing of more than 100 people, most of them Shia Muslims, and the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009, Ishaq has spent around 15 years in Pakistani jails.

Punjab government has filed a case against Ishaq, who is currently incarcerated in Multan, of advocating and preaching religious violence.

Take a look at: Malik Ishaq’s detention ends

A provincial review board, comprising three judges of the Lahore High Court, last year ended detention of Malik Ishaq, after the Punjab government opted to withdraw appeal for extension to his confinement.

An insider said Malik Ishaq contested the government’s arguments and had told the board that the allegation of delivering provoking speeches was baseless.

The board had observed the government had failed to produce convincing evidence in support of its arguments.

Anticipating an adverse decision by the board, the Punjab special secretary had opted to withdraw the appeal and the board had dismissed the appeal as withdrawn, ending the detention of Ishaq.