IHC Indicts Islamabad Deputy Commissioner and Others in Contempt Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday initiated a significant legal action against several government officials for contempt in connection to the ongoing case concerning the extended detention of PTI leaders Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. During the session overseen by Justice Babar Sattar, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Irfan Nawaz Memon, alongside Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jamil Zafar, Superintendent Farooq Buttar, and Station House Officer Nasir Manzoor were formally indicted. This decision followed a previous ruling that removed the district magistrate’s authority to hold suspects under the MPO ordinance.

Justice Sattar spearheaded the proceedings, criticizing the officials for their contemptuous actions and unsatisfactory responses to previous court inquiries. Despite the officials presenting unconditional apologies and requesting the court to avoid formal indictments, Justice Sattar emphasized the gravity of the contemptuous acts, noting the potential for incarceration as a sentence. The initial pleas of the officials, including an emotional appeal by DC Memon, were subsequently rejected by the court.

Detentions Under Scrutiny

Afridi and Gulzar’s detentions have sparked significant controversy and legal action. Afridi experienced multiple arrests since May 16, with recurring detentions under the MPO ordinance despite being granted bail on July 31 by the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench. Following Afridi’s series of arrests, Gulzar faced an alleged abduction by the Islamabad police on August 9. This action prompted her mother to file a petition in the IHC, accusing the police of illegal arrest and violating several constitutional articles. This series of detentions has escalated into a pronounced legal battle, emphasizing the potential misuse of the MPO ordinance and bringing the officials’ actions under judicial scrutiny.

The case thus marks a significant event where the court aims to hold government officials accountable for potential abuse of power and obstruction of justice. The indicted officers have denied the charges and are expected to present their defense in the upcoming hearings.