KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday declared the detention of Mohajir Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi) chairman Afaq Ahmed illegal and directed the authorities to release him immediately, DawnNews reported.

A two-judge bench comprising of SHC Chief Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh gave its ruling during the hearing of a petition challenging Ahmed's detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960.

During the hearing, Advocate General Sindh said that Ahmed's petition had inconsistencies and that a new petition should be filed.

Whereas, Ahmed's counsel argued that the detention was "illegal, unconstitutional and a violation of his rights".

Subsequently, the court ruled in favour of the petition and declared Ahmed's detention illegal.

Speaking to media representatives, MQM-H leader Haleem Ahmed Khan said that he was requesting top police and Rangers officials to ensure Ahmed's security.

On December 9, the SHC had directed provincial authorities to decide the application against Ahmed’s detention under the public order law within three days and place the order to this effect in court for a judicial review.