ISLAMABAD: The Isla­mabad High Court (IHC) on Monday restrained the Capital Police from arresting rights activist Imaan Mazari-Hazir without seeking prior permission from the court to do so.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb issued the order while hearing the petition urging the court to restrain the police from arresting Ms Mazari-Hazir in any criminal case.

The petition also sought details of cases registered against her.

AAG Munawar Iqbal Dogal said provinces had been asked for details. He said Ms Mazari-Hazir was on bail in three cases registered against her on allegations of making anti-state speeches and raising funds for a banned outfit.

Justice Aurangzeb disposed of the petition with the direction that Ms Mazari-Hazir would not be arrested in any case registered against her after Aug 20 while she was in the police custody. He further directed that in case the police required her custody, then it must inform the court prior to her arrest.

In a separate development, an anti-terrorism court handed over the custody of former MNA Ali Wazir in connection with an FIR registered against him on allegations of terror financing and anti-state activities.

During the hearing, Mr Wazir’s counsel informed the ATC judge that Ms Mazari-Hazir, who was also nominated an accused in the same case, had already been released on bail.

The prosecutor, on the other hand, argued that police required Mr Wazir’s custody to interrogate him to recover evidence.

The judge granted Mr Wazir’s physical remand for three days.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...