Qureshi reiterates unwavering commitment to upholding ‘flag of justice’
RAWALPINDI
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was arrested in the light of the May 9 violent protests, has been released from Rawalpindi jail.
The jail officials confirmed the development saying that the former foreign minister was released on the court’s order. The Lahore High Court has ordered the immediate release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice-Chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
The court gave an hour’s time to the public prosecutor and asked him to present any evidence against Qureshi in court, if any. Qureshi, while addressing the media after his release from jail, reiterated his unwavering commitment to upholding the ‘flag of justice’.
PTI vice-chairman is scheduled to meet party chairman Imran Khan to discuss the current political situation and share his insights gained during his month-long imprisonment. Qureshi expressed his gratitude to his legal team, family, and well-wishers who stood by him throughout his period of detention.
He emphasised that numerous PTI activists remained imprisoned, highlighting the challenges the party currently confronts. Qureshi advised supporters of Imran Khan to exhibit patience during this difficult period, urging them to await the break of dawn despite the prevailing darkness surrounding the party.
Last week, the PTI vice chairman firmly pledged his support to party Chairman Imran Khan, saying that he stands by him. Qureshi’s commitment to the party and its leader was reaffirmed during a meeting held at Adiala Jail, where he met his daughter, Gauhar Bano Qureshi, and lawyer, Barrister Taimur Malik.
In a video shared by PTI’s official handle, Qureshi’s daughter conveyed his message to the PTI workers, stating, “I was, am currently, and will continue to stand by Imran Khan.” Shah Mehmood Qureshi Qureshi has been arrested repeatedly following the May 9 violent riots.
While hearing a petition against his arrest on Tuesday, The LHC’s Rawalpindi Bench judge Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz ordered that Qureshi should not be arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) anymore. “Whatever has happened in the past leave it, but it should not be repeated in future,” the LHC judge remarked.
The court also declared Rawalpindi deputy commissioner’s MPO orders illegal and directed the authorities to immediately release Qureshi without asking him to submit surety bonds. Assistant Attorney General Abid Aziz Rajouri represented the government’s side, while lawyer Taimoor Malik and Qureshi’s daughter were also present in the court.
Earlier, the PTI leader’s counsels Faiza Asad and Taimur Malik had challenged the detention of Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the LHC Rawalpindi bench while the court had sought a reply from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi in the case.
During the proceedings, the judge questioned the law officer regarding any speeches or protests led by Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The judge remarked that “No political leader can control his words in a political gathering,” and instructed the law officer to present evidence if any against Qureshi.
In response, the official requested two days to submit the evidence, but the judge directed him to update the court within an hour after receiving directives from the government. Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing for an hour.
Meanwhile, the Punjab police submitted a report detailing the cases registered against Qureshi. According to the report, a total of nine cases have been filed against Qureshi in various locations across Punjab.
Among these, four cases were registered in Lahore while the remaining five were registered at different police stations in Multan. The report was submitted in response to a request made by the PTI leader’s daughter.
