Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi released from Adiala Jail, says will meet Imran Khan today & seek guidance

RAWALPINDI, June 06 (SABAH): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi was released from Adiala Jail hours after the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench declared his detention ‘illegal’ on Tuesday.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while speaking to the media after his release, thanked the lawyers and all the people. He advised the PTI workers to remain steadfast, saying that “hope will surely rise soon”.

The PTI leader said that after meeting with party chairman Imran Khan on today (Wednesday), he will address the media in detail. “We will try to bring out the innocent people in jail by initiating legal proceedings for their release,” he added.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his firm commitment to the cause of justice and the sovereignty of Pakistan. Speaking to PTI workers, he stated that he holds the flag of justice in his hands and considers himself an integral part of the movement striving for a sovereign nation. Qureshi shared that he had endured a month of solitary confinement, but now he is ready to provide his analysis to the party chairman.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Qureshi mentioned the concern his children had expressed during his difficult times. However, he found solace in their support as they entrusted him to the protection of Allah. Grateful for the unwavering encouragement he received from his sisters and rest of the family, Qureshi acknowledged the divine protection that has been bestowed upon him.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi did not respond any question of the media and said he will talk in details today (Wednesday) after holding meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

Earlier in the day, the LHC’s Rawalpindi bench set aside Qureshi’s detention orders and restrained the police from arresting him in any other case pertaining to the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

Last week, the PTI leader’s daughter had approached the court requesting to restrain police from arresting her father in any other case and his release.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Punjab Assistant Attorney General Abid Aziz Rajouri represented the government while lawyer Taimur Malik and Qureshi’s daughter were present on behalf of the PTI leader.

Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz presided over the hearing during which the government lawyer requested the court to grant more time for preparing his arguments.

The judge accepted his request and adjourned the hearing for an hour. “If you have evidence against Shah Mahmood Qureshi, present them in court within an hour,” he directed.

However, when the hearing resumed, Rajouri sought another two days to present evidence against Qureshi.

“Leave whatever happened in the past and move forward now,” Justice Aziz said here. “Everything is not a joke,” he added.

The judge then ordered Qureshi’s immediate release and barred police from arresting him in any case under the MPO. “No affidavit should be taken from Shah Mahmood Qureshi,” he added.

In an order issued later in the day, the court set aside Qureshi’s detention under MPO for 15 days. “The detenue Shah Mahmood Qureshi is ordered to be released forthwith if not required in some other case,” it ruled.

The court also directed the PTI leader to submit a bond to the Rawalpindi district magistrate. “It is further expected that after his release, Shah Mahmood Qureshi will not be detained under the provisions of the Punjab MPO for delinquency having been committed in the past,” the order concluded.

Meanwhile, Qureshi’s son Zain Hussain Qureshi said his father had been kept in “solitary confinement” at Adiala Jail for 27 days.