ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: The chairman, Human Rights Committee of Pakistan Bar Council, Rasheed A. Rizvi, has condemned the arrest and illegal detention of the opposition leader, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi.

He said this had exposed the government’s claim that “it has restored the rule of law” in the country. He said every detenu was entitled to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of his arrest. He said Makhdoom Javed Hashmi was not being allowed to see his family and seek assistance of a counsel. This is clear violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1973 Constitution, he added.

Mr Rizvi has demanded immediate and unconditional release of Javed Hashmi and withdrawal of all charges forthwith.

Meanwhile, the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) has criticized the detention of the ARD president and acting president of PML-N, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi.