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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday set aside detention order of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, and the spouse of PTI leader Sheharyar Afridi.
The court also sought assistance from the Attorney General regarding a petition against the re-arrest of Dr Shireen Mazari.
IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb was hearing the petition filed by Mr Qureshi’s daughter, seeking to set aside the detention order against her father issued by the district magistrate under the Maintenance of Public Order.
The counsel adopted before the court that Mr Qureshi is a 65-year-old man and throughout his decades-long political career, he has never incited the public against the government or any institution.
The counsel argued that Mr Qureshi, in his video message, advised the party workers to refrain from engaging in any sabotage activities.
Seeks attorney general’s help in Shireen Mazari’s re-arrest petition
He further said that Mr Qureshi had held important portfolios, including the position of minister for foreign affairs.
The state’s counsel argued that Mr Qureshi was nominated in the first information report regarding the setting of the office of SP Industrial Area on fire.
The court inquired about the details of the pending cases against Mr Qureshi.
The state’s counsel sought more time to submit the relevant details.
On the other hand, IHC Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir set aside the detention order of PTI leader Sheharyar Afridi’s spouse.
The judge questioned the Inspector General about the detention of a household woman.
IG Islamabad Akbar Nasir Khan replied that a household woman can be arrested if she has committed a cognisable crime.
The court was informed that she was taken into custody based on a report from the Special Branch of the Islamabad Police.
However, the judge set aside her detention order and warned the government of the consequences for defying the court.
Meanwhile, Justice Aurangzeb reserved the order on the petition seeking action against the police regarding the re-arrest of Dr Mazari.
The court was informed that the IHC had ordered the release of Dr Mazari the day before, but the Islamabad Police handed her over to the Punjab Police in connection with another case.
The judge observed that he cannot proceed in this matter as it falls outside the territorial jurisdiction of the IHC.
The counsel argued that the court may initiate contempt proceedings against the police officials for the re-arrest of Dr Mazari.
However, Justice Aurangzeb issued a notice to the Attorney General and sought his assistance in deliberating upon such matters.
Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2023
