Rawalpindi: PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was detained at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail for 15 days under Section 3 of Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Section grants government powers for preventative detention.

Qureshi, along with PTI chief Imran Khan are currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail in cipher case.

Former premier and ex-Foreign Minister were granted bail in case last week and directed to submit surety bonds worth Rs 1 million each. Qureshi's daughter had said she expected her father would be released as his arrest was not required in any other case. Hearing for case took place and was subsequently adjourned till today.

Qureshi's family arrived to pay his surety bond but before they could obtain the robkar (release order), it emerged that Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema issued an order today for former Foreign Minister's 15-day detention under MPO.

Robkar was later issued by Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain who is hearing cipher case.

Rawalpindi city police officer had intimated via letter that Qureshi was member of political party which was involved in anti-state activities and caused damage to public and private property.

It added that letter said it was "Probable that after his release from jail, he will again continue his above activities and which may lead to law and order situation, harmful to life and property of general public."

Letter said Rawalpindi CPO recommended that Qureshi be detained for 45 days to prevent him from his "Unlawful activities and acting in manner prejudicial to public safety or maintenance of public order".

Letter added Rawalpindi District Intelligence Committee had also endorsed police department's stance and agreed to Qureshi's detention.

Order added that Qureshi had right to appeal to Punjab government against order. Qureshi's lawyer Barrister Taimur Malik said his team would avail all available legal remedies.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 27 2023

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