LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has been detained for one month, further delaying his release from jail.
Elahi will be kept under custody at Camp Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider issued a notification stating that Elahi will be detained under the supervision of the Jail Superintendent due to disturbance of law and order.
The notification mentioned two cases in Qila Gujar Singh police station and a case registered in Ghalib Market against Elahi. It added that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, who is a leader of the PTI, may harm law and order. It said Elahi is also wanted by the police in these cases.
It said action is being taken as he may cause disturbance of law and order and should be detained. The action was taken on recommendations of the District Government, District Intelligence Committee and police.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana requested the DC in a letter to issue Elahi’s detention orders as he could become a source of distorting public order.
Earlier the Lahore High Court LHC) prohibited the authorities from arresting Elahi in any undisclosed case. The court ordered police and the Anti-Corruption Establishment not to arrest the suspect in any undisclosed case or inquiry against him.
Justice Amjad Rafique passed the order in a case seeking details of cases against the former chief minister. He was earlier this week granted bail in a money laundering after submitting surety bonds.
A large contingent of police arrived at the Camp Jail to take Elahi into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). However, jail authorities did not release the veteran politician after not receiving the court release order.
Lawyer Aamir Saeed Rawn handed over the court order to jail authorities but Elahi was not released. Elahi’s lawyer expressed his displeasure after the former chief minister was not released.
He said jail authorities cannot even keep a suspect in prison after receiving a release order He said a suspect arrested at night is transferred to jail.
