PTI’s Aliya Hamza released from Gujranwala Jail following LHC order

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ex-MNA Aliya Hamza was released from Gujranwala Jail on Wednesday after her release orders were submitted earlier in the day.

Hamza departed the jail with her family as her lawyer confirmed her release.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) had ordered law enforcement agencies not to arrest Aliyah Hamza, in any new cases without the court's permission until August 29.

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

"No agency will arrest Aliya 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 Aliya.

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

Petitioner stated that Aliya'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 Aliya 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.

Aliya 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.