IHC restrains arrest, harassment of PTI leaders

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday restrained authorities from arresting or harassing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shoaib Shaheen, Malik Aamir Ali and others ahead of the party's planned September 27 long march. Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas heard the petition concerning alleged harassment of PTI leaders and workers. Lawyers Shoaib Shaheen and Riyasat Azad appeared before the court on behalf of Malik Aamir Ali and other petitioners. PTI lawyer alleges raids on workers' homes During the hearing, Shaheen told the court that raids and arrests had resumed ahead of the September 27 protest. He alleged that law enforcement personnel were conducting raids at the homes of PTI workers and claimed that cash and other belongings had been taken during some of the searches. Shaheen also alleged that his family was being harassed despite his own health problems. He further claimed that women and children had been picked up from their homes. According to the lawyer, he was prepared to submit an affidavit and CCTV footage to support the allegations. The claims were made during court proceedings and had not been independently established in the reports reviewed. Court summons SSP Operations Shaheen requested the court to restrain authorities from harassing or arresting PTI leaders and sought an early hearing of the matter. Justice Minhas said he would summon the Islamabad SSP Operations to inquire into the allegations. The court subsequently summoned the SSP Operations in person and adjourned the hearing while restraining authorities from harassing or arresting Shaheen, Malik Aamir Ali and other PTI leaders.