ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a restraining order, preventing the Islamabad deputy commissioner from issuing orders under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for an indefinite period.
During Wednesday’s hearing on a petition challenging the detention of Shehryar Khan Afridi and Shandana Gulzar Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the high court issued a restraining order.
Justice Babar Sattar pointed out that Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon could not exercise the powers granted under Section 3 of the MPO.
The judge raised questions regarding the district magistrate’s authority to issue orders under the MPO. The judge also decided to seek official assistance to better understand the procedures governing the federal capital’s affairs.
In this regard, the court announced that Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) would be summoned to provide court assistance. Mansoor Usman Awan is the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP). The court also advised him to present a specific notification issued in 1965.
At one point, the court asked the Islamabad DC whether he had received such a notification. The court noted that it was a usual practice for appointed deputy commissioners to receive one.
