ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday set aside the detention orders of an activist of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and directed the government to release him from the recently established sub-jail of Islamabad.

IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani was hearing the petition filed by son of PTI’s activist Zahid Akbar.

The judge inquired from the district administration reason for the arrest of Akbar.

The court was told that there was an apprehension that he might get involved in sabotage activities, hence, he has been detained under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

Justice Kayani remarked that the district administration instead of putting him behind the bar can sought surety bonds from the suspect adding that the law would take its course for any violation.

He further said the district administration was responsible for maintaining public order, reopening of closed roads and ensuring peaceful procession in Islamabad.

Crime Intelligence Agency (CIA) building of the capital police has been declared sub-jail or judicial lock-up to keep the miscreants who might be arrested during the PTI long march.

According to a notification issued from the office of Chief Commissioner under section 541 of the CrPC 1860, read with Section 3 of Prison Act 1894, the capital police shall be responsible for the security of the sub/jail as well as the prisoners.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Justice Aamer Farooq on Friday summoned joint interior secretary on a petition filed against the proposed sit-in The petition was filed by the president of All Traders Welfare Association Islamabad against the proposed PTI sit-in.

During the hearing of the case, Sardar Umar Aslam Advocate appeared on behalf of the petitioners while Deputy Attorney General Azmat Bashir Tarar represented the federal government.

The petition stated that after the regime change PTI build a narrative that their removal was part of international conspiracy and threatened to overthrow the government by marching on Islamabad.

The petition pointed out that the Supreme Court earlier this year sought assurance from PTI that they will confine the protest to specified place, however, the party violated its undertaking and marched towards D-Chowk and set trees ablaze and damaged public properties.

The rally was finally called off on account of fear of bloodshed, it added.

The petition stated that the protest by political parties was to be seen through past experience starting from 2014, when a political party started a sit-in for almost five months and during this period the vital government buildings including Parliament House and Pakistan Television was attacked.

The petitioners expressed apprehensions that the PTI would repeat the same if allowed sit-in in Islamabad.

Further hearing in this matter has been adjourned till Nov 13.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2022