Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mahmood Qureshi was manhandled by the police while re-arresting him outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday.
It was seen in a viral video on the social media showing Qureshi, clad in traditional attire, attempting to communicate with police personnel outside the jail. However, he was reportedly manhandled and forcibly escorted towards a police vehicle.
This incident occurred shortly after Qureshi was granted bail in a cipher case by the Supreme Court the previous week.
Qureshi expressed his dismay, accusing the police of flouting the Supreme Court’s orders and orchestrating a false arrest.
Initially released on bail after the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner withdrew a detention order under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), Qureshi’s freedom was short-lived.
The PTI, via a post on an undisclosed social media platform, reported that the Rawalpindi DC had reversed the order, leading to Qureshi’s re-arrest outside the Adiala Jail.
“I represented the nation, I am innocent, and I am being targeted for political revenge without any reason,” Qureshi said, emphasizing that the police actions were undermining the judiciary’s decisions.
The PTI strongly condemned the manner of Qureshi’s arrest, labeling it a “slap on the face of the judiciary and justice system.”
The party accused the state of brutality and cruelty, asserting that these actions were a result of its failure to break the bond between PTI leader Imran Khan and the nation.
The party linked the incident to an alleged increase in oppression and fascism against PTI’s leadership, candidates, and workers following the announcement of the election schedule.
The PTI considered the Deputy Commissioner’s detention order a clear violation of the Supreme Court’s decision advocating a level playing field for all political parties.
Holding the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responsible for alleged atrocities, the party urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of the abuse of power and issue orders for Qureshi’s recovery and release.
In a video statement, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan implored the judiciary and Supreme Court to investigate the matter, emphasizing the need for free, fair, and transparent elections. The party vowed to approach the ECP and the high court if necessary.
