PHC slams police over illegal detentions

Court orders FIR or release of five arrested in Hayatabad raid

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday ordered the formation of a full bench to hear the case regarding the alleged illegal detention of five individuals from Hayatabad, reportedly arrested by police during a raid.

A three-member larger bench comprising Justice Ejaz Anwar, Justice Syed Arshad Ali, and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah issued notices to the federal and provincial governments, seeking explanations for the arrests. The case was adjourned to allow for the full court hearing.

During proceedings, Justice Ejaz Anwar strongly criticized police practices, stating, “There is no law here. You arrest people first and file FIRs later. This must stop.” He warned that if the arrested individuals were not produced, the court would consider contempt proceedings against the CCPO and IGP.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Abdul Haleem, whose lawyer informed the bench that police raided his client’s home on April 27, in search of a woman reportedly missing after arriving from Oman, and took five male family members into custody.

Despite previous court orders, the detainees were not presented in court.

The CCPO told the court that the individuals had been released on bail under Section 107, and that their custody was not with the police. However, the bench expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the legality of the arrests.

Justice Syed Arshad Ali remarked, “If citizens have been detained, there must be a legal justification. We may summon the Prime Minister and the Attorney General if needed.” Justice Asadullah added, “Fear the day when your own people are standing here saying the Advocate General is missing.”