Parliament lodges designated as sub-jail for arrested PTI MNAs

The decision addresses security concerns and logistical issues for detained legislators.

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National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has approved the designation of Parliament Lodges as a sub-jail for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNAs who are currently under arrest.

This decision follows a request from Barrister Gohar and other members due to heightened security concerns.

According to local media, all the arrested PTI MNAs have completed the necessary paperwork and are expected to be transferred to the Parliament Lodges today.

This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the security and logistical challenges associated with their detention.

In addition, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has issued production orders for ten PTI members, ensuring their presence at the National Assembly proceedings.

The decision is intended to enable the detained MNAs to attend the 9th session of the National Assembly, scheduled after the issuance of production orders on 11th September 2024.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, the Secretariat noted that the Honourable Speaker had approved the arrangement in line with Rule 108 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.

The orders cover the following MNAs: Sher Afzal Marwat, Amir Dogar, Zain Qureshi, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, Zubair Khan, Owais Haider Jhakkar, Syed Shah Ahad Shah, Naseem Ali Shah, and Yousuf Khan.

The production orders, issued under Rule 108, are intended to facilitate their participation in the ongoing assembly session.

This action follows recent arrests, including that of PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Shoaib Shaheen.

The Capital police had previously detained MNAs Zain Qureshi and Sheikh Waqas Akram inside the Parliament House.

Other detained individuals include Owais Ahmed Chatha, Syed Shah Ahmed, Sunni Ittehad Council’s Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Yousaf Khan, Maulana Naseem Shah, and Ahmed Shah Khattak.

The new arrangement at Parliament Lodges is expected to address both security and procedural needs, ensuring that the detained MNAs can fulfill their legislative duties while managing their current legal circumstances.

Several PTI leaders, including high-ranking figures, were charged with terrorism-related offences over accusations of violence against police officers during a rally in Islamabad on Sunday.

Police in Islamabad have filed three cases against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for failing to conclude a rally on time,pelting stones on police officers, and violating designated routes.

The cases were registered under the recently-passed Public Order and Peace Act, following the PTI’s public gathering.

The first case was lodged at Sangjani Police Station for the rally exceeding its permitted time limit.

A second case was registered at Sumbal Police Station for violating the pre-approved route by leading convoys through Sadaat Colony and Srinagar Highway.

The third case, filed at Noon Police Station, pertains to stone-pelting on law enforcement officials, including senior superintendent of police (SSP) Safe City and other officers.