The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices on Thursday to the Sindh Home Department secretary and the Malir District Jail superintendent against the detention of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
The SHC division bench heard the constitutional petition filed by human rights activist Iqbal Kazmi, who stated that Afaq’s detention was in clear violation of articles 10, 15, 17, 19 and 204 of the constitution. On September 26, the SHC had ordered the release on bail of the MQM-H chief but the Sindh government delayed his release for a month citing that Afaq’s release may endanger the law and order situation in the city.
The petitioner stated that the government had detained the MQM-H leader with malafide intent as his release would not create any law and order situation. “He only wanted to go to his home as he has been in jail for seven years.” He added that the basic rights of any citizen are guaranteed by the constitution and the state is responsible to protect the life and the property of all citizens.
The petitioner prayed that the court declare Afaq’s detention illegal and direct the government to also provide him security. Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police Wajid Durrani said that Afaq was detained on police request as the department had received reports through agencies that law and order situation could worsen after the MQM-H leader’s release and clashes may erupt between the supporters of Muttahida Qaumi Movement and MQM-H.
He added that Afaq’s detention was not permanent but only for a month. After hearing their arguments, the court ordered the respondents to file their comments within a week.
