ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has given the Ministry of Interior, FIA and other respondents one day to submit their response to a petition challenging the alleged illegal detention of three Chinese nationals who came to Pakistan on valid business visas.

Justice Shahrukh Arjumand heard the petition filed by Muhammad Nasir, coordinator of the three Chinese nationals, on Tuesday. The petitioner’s counsel, assistant attorney general and other officials appeared before the court.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the three Chinese nationals had entered Pakistan on valid business visas but were allegedly detained following a joint raid conducted by the FIA, NCCIA and Islamabad Police at Sparco Plaza, Gulberg Greens, on August 11.

The court was informed that following the raid, the FIA registered cases against 258 persons under the Foreigners Act, while the NCCIA registered cases against 114 persons under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.

According to the petition, the three Chinese nationals were neither nominated nor wanted accused in any of the FIRs registered after the raid.

The petitioner’s counsel further contended that the chief commissioner Islamabad declared Sparco Plaza a sub-jail on August 11.

The notification was withdrawn on August 14, but the premises were again declared a sub-jail on August 15.

The petition maintained that keeping citizens in detention without legal justification, an arrest memo or a court order amounted to a violation of the Constitution and fundamental rights.

The petitioner requested the court to order the authorities to immediately produce the three Chinese nationals before the court and direct their release from what was described as unlawful detention.

During the proceedings, Justice Shahrukh Arjumand asked the assistant attorney general about the government’s report on the matter.

The assistant attorney general requested the court to grant the authorities time to submit a complete report.

The court granted one day to the Ministry of Interior, FIA and other respondents to submit their response and adjourned further hearing of the case until today.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2026