The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the police to release arrested PTI workers on an urgent basis. This is a welcoming development as PTI officially launched its Azadi March earlier today.
According to details, a petition was filed against the harassment of PTI workers by the Punjab police. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case. During the hearing, the IHC remarked that protestors have the fundamental right to protest.
Moreover, the IHC claimed raised concern over the arrest of PTI workers despite issuing orders to not needlessly harass PTI workers. As a result, the Deputy Commissioner was also ordered to appear before the court.
Breaking news 🚨
Islamabad High Court orders to release all detained PTI workers.
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) May 25, 2022
Hats off to Islamabad High Court 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OJnaHD8G1n
— Adv. Mian Omer🇵🇰 (@Iam_Mian) May 25, 2022
IHC has told police to free protestors they had arrested. They have fundamental right to protest. 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/hGGkLoMZF5
— Najma Minhas (@MinhasNajma) May 25, 2022
Tuesday, the IHC had ordered police and the administration to stop harassing PTI leaders and workers following a crackdown by the Punjab police Monday night.
Read more: PTI, PML-N govt trade barbs over policeman’s death during Lahore raid
The IHC heard the case after raids at the residences of the PTI leaders in multiple cities, including Karachi and Lahore where, according to the PTI, hundreds of its workers were detained across the country. A police constable also lost his life during a raid at a PTI leader’s house in Lahore.
Therefore, the IHC directed the Capital police chief and the administration to ensure no PTI leader or worker was unnecessarily harassed.
Police arrest PTI leaders
On the other hand, the police on Tuesday arrested PTI’s Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Punjab senior leader Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed and other party workers.
The police continued to raid the houses of the PTI leaders and workers as the government has decided to stop PTI’s ‘Azadi March’.
The police also raided former education minister Shafqat Mehmood’s residence, however, he was not present at home.
Read more: Won’t allow PTI march to enter Islamabad: Rana Sanaullah
While condemning the police action, PTI Punjab President Shafqat Mehmood tweeted that the police had raided his house without a search warrant.
“I was not there,” he tweeted, adding, “Do they really think these tactics would intimidate us?”
Police barged into my house without a warrant while I was not there. Do they really think these tactics would intimidate us?
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) May 24, 2022