Azhar Mashwani’s Brothers
The Lahore High Court has issued a directive to the police to recover the two brothers of Azhar Mashwani, a senior member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) social media team, who have reportedly been abducted in Lahore.
This development has sparked significant controversy, with the PTI vehemently condemning the alleged abduction and calling for immediate action from the authorities.
The PTI has expressed grave concerns over the situation, with a party spokesperson stating that the country is currently experiencing a state of lawlessness where the safety and fundamental rights of innocent citizens are at risk.
The spokesperson emphasized that such incidents highlight the deteriorating security conditions and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for what they termed as an “illegal abduction.”
The legal action to recover the missing brothers was initiated by their father, Qazi Habibur Rehman, who filed a petition in the Lahore High Court.
The petition specifically named the Inspector General of Punjab Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) as respondents, indicating their potential involvement or responsibility in addressing the situation.
According to the petition, Professors Zahoor and Muzaffar were forcibly taken from their home late at night by a group of individuals, some in plain clothes and others in police uniforms. The abductors did not provide any reason for the detention of the two brothers.
Furthermore, the petition details a troubling history of harassment against the family. It highlights that Professor Zahoor had previously been subjected to over 100 days of illegal detention.
Additionally, it notes that Azhar Mashwani himself has faced multiple instances of detention, further intensifying the family’s concern over the current abductions.
During the court proceedings, Justice Syed Shabaz Rizvi issued a strong directive to the Inspector General of Punjab and the CTD.
He ordered them to ensure the immediate recovery of the abducted brothers and to present them before the court by the following day.
This order underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the court is treating the matter, reflecting the broader concerns about the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights in the current climate.
The incident and subsequent court order have drawn significant public attention, raising questions about the state’s ability to safeguard its citizens and the ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order.
The PTI’s strong stance on the issue and the court’s decisive action may set a precedent for addressing such incidents in the future.
