PESHAWAR, Dec 6: The NWFP government here on Thursday extended the detention period of Amir Jamaat-i-Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, and chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, for 30 days with effect from Dec 6.

The provincial government had placed them under detention through two separate orders issued on Nov 7 under section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

The government claimed that the presence of the two leaders outside was prejudicial to public peace and tranquillity as they had been instigating the general public against the government through speeches.

Through the said orders Qazi Hussain Ahmad was detained at Tanda Dam Rest House, Kohat, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman at Chashma Rest House.

Later, the former was shifted to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, due to some cardiac problem, still there.

The detention of both the leaders were challenged in the Peshawar High Court. The writ petition of Qazi Hussain Ahmad was dismissed by the court observing that his detention was legal and in accordance with law, whereas, Maulana Fazl’s petition has been pending before the D.I. Khan circuit bench of the court.

Separate FIRs have already been registered against both the detained leaders for sedition. However, they have still not been prosecuted under those charges.

Our correspondent from Dera Ismail Khan adds: The double bench of Peshawar High Court, Dera Bench, comprising Justice Qazi Ehsanullah and Justice Ejaz Afzal, announced on Thursday the dismissal of the writ petition against the detention of Maulana Fazalur Rehman by the orders of district Nazim and Home Secretary NWFP.

The writ was lodged by the Maulana Fazal’s younger brother, Obaidur Rehman. According to the NWFP government’s detention orders, it was the last day of Maulana’s detention. And, as until then the detention had not been extended the petition was declared anfractuous.

If, the Maulana’s detention was extended, a fresh writ would be needed.