ISLAMABAD – In a bold move against what it calls unlawful detentions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court over the arrest of more than 180 party workers in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. The party alleges these arrests were carried out under the controversial Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance during early morning raids by Sindh police.
PTI leaders claim the Sunday dawn operations targeted homes of party activists, snatching nearly 180 individuals without just cause. The Sindh government, however, flatly denies these accusations, labeling them as baseless propaganda aimed at stirring unrest.
Petitioners, including PTI Sindh General Secretary Mansoor Ali and Insaf Lawyers Forum Chairman Faisal Mughal, are demanding the court declare the MPO orders issued on February 1 illegal and unconstitutional. They argue these directives violate fundamental rights enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution, including articles on personal liberty, freedom of movement, assembly, and expression.
The petition names 14 respondents, from the provincial chief secretary to deputy inspectors general and senior superintendents across Karachi’s districts. PTI insists the MPO orders lack any legitimate cabinet approval, rendering them void from the outset.
As a registered political party, PTI asserts its right to peaceful activities like rallies, protests, and strikes. The court plea seeks an immediate stay on these orders and the release of all detained workers not wanted in other cases.
Meanwhile, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon dismissed PTI’s claims as ‘false and misleading.’ Speaking to Dawn, he clarified no mass arrests occurred under MPO, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation for political gain.
This latest clash underscores escalating tensions between PTI and the Sindh administration, with the high court set to hear arguments soon. The outcome could set a precedent for how emergency ordinances are wielded against political opponents in Pakistan.