ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued directives for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar Khan, who had been arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
The court instructed that Afridi should not leave Islamabad. Additionally, it directed the Islamabad inspector-general of police (IGP) and deputy commissioner (DC) to ensure his safety and security.
Afridi’s first arrest took place in the days following the May 9 riots, and he was rearrested on May 30 under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance 1960. After securing bail from the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench and being released from Adiala Jail, he was detained by the Rawalpindi Police earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Shandana Gulzar was reportedly “abducted” on August 9 by the Islamabad Police. In response, her mother filed a petition with the IHC, citing “illegal arrest” and violation of Articles 4, 9, 10A, and 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
The relevant authorities presented both suspects in the IHC. The court invalidated the detention orders under the MPO and issued directives for their release.
Afridi directed not to issue any public statements
Furthermore, the court directed Afridi not to issue any public statements on the matter. The court also sought affidavits from IGP Akbar Nasir Khan and DC Irfan Nawaz Memon.
During the hearing, Justice Babar Sattar inquired about the evidence supporting the claim made in the magistrate’s arrest order, which alleged that Afridi was conspiring to launch an attack.
DC Memon responded that the Intelligence Bureau provided information indicating that Afridi might attempt an attack on the district court.
Justice Sattar further questioned whether DC Memon had considered questioning his source regarding how Afridi could be inciting people while in custody.
The federal capital’s deputy commissioner replied, “My eyes and ears are the intelligence agencies. There was also a report [against Afridi] by the Special Branch.”
Similar statements were received from the DC regarding Khan’s arrest. The court directed the IGP and chief police commissioner of Islamabad to ensure her safety after her release.
