Sher Afzal Marwat cannot be arrested without court approval: IHC

Written order issued by Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz provides legal safeguard to PTI's Sher Afzal Marwat.

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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat cannot be arrested in any case without prior approval from the court.

The written order was issued by Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz following a petition filed by Sher Afzal, seeking protection against any secret charges or arrest.

The court has also issued notices to the Secretary of Interior, the Inspector Generals of Islamabad and Punjab, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

These parties have been directed to submit para-wise comments in response to Sher Afzal’s petition.

The High Court further requested details of any cases filed against Sher Afzal Marwat, stating that according to his legal counsel, he fears being secretly charged and arrested. The court has clarified that no arrest shall take place without its explicit consent.

The petition was filed on behalf of Sher Afzal by lawyers Adil Aziz Qazi and Riyasat Ali Azad.

Previously, Islamabad police arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Member of National Assembly (MNA) Sher Afzal Marwat outside Parliament House following a National Assembly session.

According to Express News, a heavy police presence had gathered outside the Parliament House in anticipation. As PTI leaders exited the building, police took positions and swiftly moved to detain Sher Afzal.

A scuffle reportedly broke out between Sher Afzal’s supporters and the police during Sher Afzal's arrest. However, police managed to surround and apprehend the MNA, seizing his vehicle before leaving the scene.

Sources indicate that Sher Afzal was arrested due to legal violations committed during last Sunday's rally. The violations include disrupting the agreed route, breaching commitments, attacking Islamabad police, exceeding permitted timings, and delivering anti-state speeches.

A week before the rally Sher Afzal Marwat had declared that he would be personally held responsible in case any violence took place at the rally.