Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi detained again

The statement reported that Qureshi was detained again in front of Adiala Jail in the city of Rawalpindi, where he had been released on bail on December 22.

The former Foreign Minister and current Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qureshi, stated that the police were "mocking" the Supreme Court's decision while he was being detained, saying, "They are detaining me again on a fake case."

In the footage, where he is seen being dragged into custody, Qureshi said, "I have represented the nation, I am innocent, and I am being targeted for political revenge without any reason."

According to the report, Qureshi's family arrived at Adiala Jail yesterday to pay the bail amount, but it was decided that the former foreign minister would be held for 15 days to prevent him from "acting in any manner prejudicial to public safety or the maintenance of public order."

Police officials have not yet made a statement regarding the detention.

DETENTION METHOD CONDEMNED

In a statement issued by the PTI, the manner in which Qureshi was detained was "strongly" condemned.

The statement read, "The shameful detention of Shah Mahmood Qureshi following his release on bail by the Supreme Court is a slap in the face of the judiciary and the justice system."

President Arif Alvi also emphasized in a statement regarding the incident that the "humiliating" treatment of a former foreign minister should draw the attention of the authorities.

RELEASED ON DECEMBER 22

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested by police on August 5 and sent to prison following a court-ordered arrest warrant in a corruption case against him.

The 3-year prison sentence handed down to Khan in the corruption case was suspended on August 29, and it was ruled that the former Prime Minister be released on bail; however, on August 30, Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain extended the detention period of Khan, who is accused of "leaking state secrets," at the request of the prosecution.

Former Foreign Minister Qureshi was also arrested at his home in Islamabad on August 19 for a similar reason and sent to prison.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had filed a case against former Prime Minister Khan and his aides for violating the Official Secrets Act.

The PTI had applied to the Supreme Court last month requesting the release on bail of Khan and Qureshi, who were being held in custody during their trial.

The Supreme Court decided on December 22 to release former Prime Minister Khan and Qureshi on bail and requested that each of them submit a bail bond worth 1 million Pakistani rupees.

News Source: AA