Islamabad (Web Desk): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered the release of Pakistan Tehrweek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar.
According to details, a two-member bench headed by Justice Babar Sattar suspended the district magistrate’s order to detain Shehryar Afridi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
The court allowed Afridi to go to his residence in Islamabad but barred him from leaving the federal capital.
It also stopped him from making any statement on media or social media until the case against him is over.
The court further directed the Islamabad inspector-general of police (IGP) and deputy commissioner (DC) to ensure Afridi's safety and security.
It is pertinent to mention that Shehryar Afridi was first arrested in the days following May 9 riots and then rearrested on May 30 under Section 3 of the MPO Ordinance 1960.
However, shortly after his release from Adiala Jail on acquiring bail from the Lahore High Court's (LHC) Rawalpindi bench, Afridi was detained by the Rawalpindi Police earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Shandana Gulzar was allegedly "abducted" on August 9 by the Islamabad Police.
He mother then mover the IHC filing a petition on grounds of "illegal arrest" and violation of Articles 4, 9, 10A and 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Both suspects were produced in IHC by the relevant authorities. The court set aside the detention orders under the MPO and issued directives for their release.
During the hearing, Justice Babar Sattar inquired about the evidence regarding the claim made in the magistrate's arrest order, which stated that Afridi was conspiring to launch an attack.
Upon this, DC Memon said that the Intelligence Bureau gave information that Afridi might launch an attack on the district court.
Justice Babar Sattar further asked whether DC Memon did not consider questioning his source on how could Afridi be inciting people as he was jailed.
To this, DC Islamabad said, "My eyes and ears are the intelligence agencies. There was also a report [against Afridi] by the Special Branch".
The court received similar statements from the DC regarding Shandana's arrest.
The IHC directed the IGP and chief police commissioner of Islamabad to ensure her safety after the release.
