PESHAWAR, March 13: The NWFP government on Tuesday extended by 30 days the detention of Khalifa Abdul Qayyum, leader of a banned organisation, under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

A notification was issued by the secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department in this regard, stating that the release of the detainee would be prejudicial to public order and peace.

Mr Qayyum, who is amir of SSP, D.I.Khan, has been in detention for the last couple of months.

Last time his detention period was extended on Feb 12.

One of the reasons cited by the government for his detention is that “Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan already stands proscribed which has antagonised the office-bearers, including Khalifa Abdul Qayyum and activists of the banned organisation who intend harming public order by acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety.”

It was added that his provocative speeches would harm national solidarity in the existing delicate situation.