Pakistan

Abductors said ‘following Sana’s orders’, Mashwani tells LHC

PTI leader went missing ahead of party’s Minar-i-Pakistan rally on March 25

Our Correspondent April 03, 2023

Photo shows Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan (right) with his focal person on social media, Azhar Qazi Mashwani.—Image Credit:Facebook/AzharQaziMashwani

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court was apprised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf social media head Azhar Qazi Mashwani that the persons who abducted him said that they were carrying out the orders of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

However, Justice Aalia Neelum disposed of two petitions wherein recovery of Azhar Mashwani and details of the FIRs had been sought.

As the proceedings commenced, Justice Neelum asked the law officer when the petitioner was released.

The police high-ups apprised the court that the petitioner did not visit the police station, adding that when they received information that he was released, they sent officials to meet him to know what had actually happened.

“Submit the police file,” Justice Neelum remarked.

The police high-ups apprised the court that the Investigation Officer of the case along with the police file was present in the magisterial court where the statement of the petitioner had yet to be recorded.

“How we can proceed further without the police file, Justice Neelum remarked.

Mashwani’s counsel Azhar Siddique apprised the court that it was the result of kind intervention of the court that today Mashwani was present in the courtroom.

Mashwani said, “The abductors introduced themselves as FIA officials and told him that all this is being done on the directions of PML-N’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.”

Justice Neelum remarked, “You can record your version before the judicial magistrate.”

The court then disposed of the matter.

During the proceedings of another petition filed seeking details of the FIRs, the Punjab police high-ups and the FIA officials apprised the court that neither an FIR nor any inquiry was pending against Mashwani. The court disposed of the petition.

The PTI leaders had raised their voice against the abduction of Mashwani ahead of the party’s Minar-i-Pakistan rally on March 25. They had said that there was no trace of him at any police stations.