Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who obtained bail in the cypher case from the Pakistan Supreme Court last week, was reapprehended outside Adiala Jail.
The reason for the PTI leader’s custody has not been disclosed by the police.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf posted on X, asserting that Qureshi was once again taken into custody outside Adiala Jail after securing bail in the cipher case.
The post mentioned, “Earlier, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner had revoked the detention order issued under the MPO.”
Additionally, PTI shared footage depicting Qureshi being handled roughly outside the jail premises.
An official in Punjab police uniform disregarded Qureshi and proceeded to push him towards an armored police vehicle.
Qureshi exclaimed, “Look at this. What is this?” as he was pushed to the van, with the crowd urging officials to exercise caution.
Qureshi contended that the police were making a mockery of the Supreme Court’s orders and accused them of arresting him again in a false case.
He asserted, “I represented the nation; I am innocent and am being targeted for political revenge without any reason.”
The Supreme Court granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his close aide Qureshi in the cypher case, instructing them to submit surety bonds worth Rs 1 million each.
Qureshi’s daughter expressed expectation for her father’s release, citing that his arrest was unnecessary in any other case.
On the day of Qureshi’s family arriving at Adiala Jail to pay his surety bond, it was revealed that Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema had issued a 15-day detention order for the former foreign minister under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
Despite this, PTI, on social media (X), strongly condemned the forceful manner of Qureshi’s arrest, characterizing it as a slap in the face of the judiciary and justice system.
The party accused the state of crossing limits of brutality and cruelty due to its failure to sever the bond between Imran Khan and the nation.
PTI asserted an increase in oppression and fascism against the party’s leadership, candidates, and workers after the announcement of the election schedule.
The party highlighted Qureshi’s significance as one of the main candidates in the forthcoming February 8 general elections and alleged attempts to exclude him from the polls. It deemed the deputy commissioner’s detention order a blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
Furthermore, PTI held the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) accountable for the atrocities inflicted upon PTI by “unconstitutional, illegal, and undemocratic caretaker governments.”
The party called upon the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of the abuse of power and issue orders for the recovery and release of Qureshi.
Emphasizing Qureshi’s status as a senior politician, the party urged the Supreme Court to take notice of his re-arrest, highlighting his need to participate in the elections and requesting the judiciary to ensure the safety of the people.
Barrister Gohar was specifically mentioned in the plea.
