Politics

Parvez Elahi faces ongoing arrests despite court orders

News Desk | Sep 05, 2023

This latest detention comes just hours after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended his previous detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) and directed his release.Elahi's repeated arrests are a consequence of the extensive crackdown launched against PTI in the aftermath of the May 9 violence, which had seen widespread unrest and protests. This time, the Islamabad police confirmed that Elahi was apprehended in connection with a case registered at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station.The PTI promptly shared footage of Elahi's arrest, condemning the authorities for their actions on social media. In a statement, PTI expressed its dissatisfaction with the situation: "Absolutely shameful how court orders keep getting disrespected by the fascist regime. Parvez Elahi's crime is standing for Pakistan; the crime is not leaving PTI despite massive pressure."Reacting to the development, Elahi's lawyer, Sardar Abdul Raziq Khan, expressed deep concern, stating, "I think all limits have been crossed. This is injustice with the country and its institutions and equivalent to making a mockery of the law and Constitution."Khan recounted the incident, explaining that as he and Elahi sat in their car outside the jail, a group of individuals blocked their way, forcefully opened their car's door, and made Khan, his driver, and associate step out. In the meantime, Elahi was allegedly "abducted" and taken away.The case against Elahi traces back to March 18, when an FIR was registered at the CTD police station based on the complaint of Ramna police Station House Officer Malik Rasheed. The case revolves around clashes that occurred between Islamabad Police and PTI workers outside the Judicial Complex on that day.The charges in the FIR are extensive, including rioting armed with deadly weapons, unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties, assault on public servants, theft, mischief, and acts of terrorism, among others.March 18 was marked by violent confrontations between police and PTI workers during party chairman Imran Khan's appearance at the Judicial Complex for a hearing related to the Toshakhana case. The Islamabad police alleged that PTI workers had attacked the Judicial Complex and set fire to a police post, while the PTI accused the police of shelling Imran’s vehicle.Earlier on the same day as Elahi's latest arrest, the Islamabad High Court had suspended his detention under MPO Section 3 and ordered his release, further highlighting the ongoing legal and political turmoil surrounding his situation.