PTI leader Shahbaz Gill has raised his voice for TV anchor Jameel Farooqui while he was being whisked away to jail on judicial remand.
Wednesday, a district and sessions court rejected the Islamabad police’s plea for an extension in the physical remand of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill.
Shahbaz Gill, who is the former premier Imran Khan’s Chief of Staff, was arrested on August 9 on sedition charges. Recently, the Islamabad police registered another case against the PTI leader over possession of an illegal weapon.
Read more: Shahbaz Gill rejects ownership of gun found from his room in Parliament Lodges
During today’s hearing, the prosecution sought an extension in the remand, which was strongly opposed by PTI’s lawyers. After announcing the verdict, the court sent the PTI leader on judicial remand in the sedition as well as the arms recovery case.
As Shahbaz Gill was being escorted by the police, he raised his voice for TV anchor Jameel Farooqui, who like Shahbaz Gill alleged the police were torturing him. Shahbaz Gill’s video is making the rounds on social media as netizens are praising him for his bravery. His slogan in favor of Jameel Farooqui is among the top Twitter trends in Pakistan.
شہباز گل نے جمیل فاروقی کے لیے آواز اٹھادی
جمیل فاروقی کے لیے آواز اٹھاؤ مت سب کو ننگا ہونے دو، شہباز گل pic.twitter.com/twGDE01a68— Zubair Ali Khan (@ZubairAlikhanUN) August 24, 2022
Loud & clear #MatSabKoNangaHonayDo
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) August 24, 2022
Torture allegations
To clarify, the police arrested Jameel Farooqui earlier in Karachi after he allegedly made false accusations against Islamabad Police related to the torture of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill.
As per the police, Jameel Farooqui had falsely accused the Islamabad Police in his video log that the police had physically and sexually assaulted Shahbaz Gill. Leading members of the journalistic community condemned the arrest and criticized the government for curbing free speech.
Read more: Journalists condemn arrest of TV anchor Jameel Farooqui
A Karachi district and sessions court on Monday granted the Islamabad police a three-day transitory remand of anchorperson and popular YouTuber Jameel Farooqi. Moreover, a disturbing video of Jameel Farooqui went viral where he accused the police of maltreatment.
Pertinent to mention, Shahbaz Gill has confirmed that he was sexually abused. Needless to say, the claims have alarmed Pakistan. On the other hand, the Islamabad Police has asserted that no abuse took place.