In a dramatic turn of events, Punjab police reapprehended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi just outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday, shortly after he was granted bail in the cipher case. The arrest involved a level of force, with Qureshi being manhandled and transported to an undisclosed location in an armored vehicle.
The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner had initially issued detention orders under MPO 3 based on the application of the Chief Police Officer (CPO) a day prior. However, the DC later withdrew the detention order. Despite this, Qureshi was arrested by Rawalpindi R.A. Bazar police in connection with a May 9 vandalism case registered by the police.
During a media interaction outside Adiala Jail before his re-arrest, Qureshi expressed his belief that he was being detained in a frivolous case, asserting his innocence and labeling the arrest as political revenge without merit. He mentioned that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah had granted him bail after hearing arguments.
Qureshi vowed to challenge any “unlawful action” against him, indicating his intention to move the Supreme Court for recourse. Regarding his bail, he explained that despite the judge signing his release order (robkar), the deputy commissioner issued arrest orders under MPO 3, leading to his subsequent detention.
Qureshi’s daughter, Meharbano, who was present outside the jail to receive her father, quoted him as anticipating his re-arrest. She expressed concern over the mistreatment of her father by police officials during the arrest and highlighted his message that people are aware of the injustices occurring in Pakistan at present.
