- Ali Mohammad Khan of PTI will be released, according to Peshawar High Court.
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ruled in favor of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Mohammad Khan, ordering his release from custody. Khan had been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960 following the May 9 violence. This article examines the court’s decision and its implications.
In a significant development, the Peshawar High Court’s two-member bench, consisting of Justice Iijaz Anwar and Justice Syed Mohammad Attique Shah, delivered a reserved verdict on Ali Mohammad Khan’s bail plea. During the hearing, Justice Anwar questioned the selective treatment of individuals, pointing out that those who held press conferences were being released while others faced continued arrests.
Considering the circumstances, the court ordered the authorities to release Khan and instructed him to submit bail bonds worth Rs100,000 as surety. Additionally, the court accepted the pleas of other individuals detained under Section 3 of the MPO.
Ali Mohammad Khan, a former minister and prominent PTI leader, was initially arrested in Islamabad on May 11 during the crackdown on PTI leaders following violent protests triggered by the arrest of the party chairman. Since then, he has been released and rearrested multiple times, causing confusion and raising concerns about due process.
Khan’s legal battle took a turn when he obtained a release order from the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench on May 30. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was rearrested by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police outside the Adiala Jail under the same law.
Implications and Observations (200 words): The PHC’s verdict has sparked discussions about the misuse of the MPO and the selective treatment of individuals by law enforcement agencies. The court’s observation regarding the influence of press conferences on the outcomes of such cases highlights the need for a fair and impartial justice system.
This decision also raises questions about the coordination between different legal jurisdictions. Khan’s release from one court’s order only to be re-arrested by another jurisdiction’s police demonstrates a lack of clarity and consistency in the application of the law.
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Furthermore, these incidents highlight the broader issue of maintaining law and order during protests. While peaceful protests are a fundamental democratic right, violence and damage to public property cannot be tolerated. Striking the right balance between ensuring public safety and protecting citizens’ rights remains a challenge.
The Peshawar High Court’s decision to release Ali Mohammad Khan from custody sheds light on the need for transparency and consistency in the judicial process. The case also highlights the importance of upholding fundamental rights while maintaining law and order, especially during times of political turmoil.
