LHC bars arrest of PTI's Aliyah Hamza sans approval

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LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered law enforcement agencies not to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ex-MNA Aliyah Hamza, in any new cases without the court's permission until August 29.

On Wednesday, LHC's Justice Ali Baqar Najafi issued the ruling while hearing a petition filed by Hamza Jameel, Aliyah Hamza's husband, who sought protective bail to prevent further arrests in cases she was unaware of.

"No agency will arrest Aliyah Hamza without permission of the Lahore High Court," Justice Najafi declared.

The court also requested a report from the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan by the next hearing date, detailing any First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against Alia Hamza.

The petitioner named the Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab and others as respondents, arguing that his wife was being "politically victimized" for "vested interests".

Petitioner stated that Aliyah's basic rights were being violated by her implication in false and frivolous cases, despite having no connection to them.

The petition argued that although Alia had secured bail in multiple cases, she continued to be targeted with new charges.

It requested the court to prevent her arrest in additional cases and to grant her protective bail.

Aliyah Hamza has been accused of involvement in activities such as anarchy, chaos, and arson, linked to the May 9 riots following the arrest of PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan.

"As she is granted bail from the court, her arrest is made in another case," he added.

On April 1, Punjab Police once again arrested PTI leaders Sanam Javed Khan and Aliyah Hamza.

According to details, Sanam and Aliyah were apprehended by the Mianwali police and presented before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore.