Lakhvi's detention order extended for another 30 days

Official says objective of extension is to prevent Lakhvi from attending any public meeting and potentially regrouping

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration extended the detention order of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks, for another 30 days on Monday.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mujahid Sherdil issued a notification extending the detention of Lakhvi for another 30 days under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) in Adiala jail.

Earlier, on January 16 the administration extended the detention orders for ten days through verbal orders. However, now the detention order has been extended through a notification, an ICT official said.

The administration had detained Lakhvi under 3MPO on December 18, after he was granted a post-arrest bail by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).

The prime objective of the extension is to prevent Lakhvi from attending any public meeting and potentially regrouping, said an official close to the development.

When asked whether or not the government will extend it further, the official said authorities can extend it for 90 days, however the accused has already challenged his detention in the IHC.

Sources in the administration said the government would keep Lakhvi in detention following pressure exerted by the Indian government. New Delhi had urged Islamabad to keep the accused behind bars.

According to them, Lakhvi’s release doesn’t seem possible at the moment as there are other cases pending against him.