The Islamabad High Court (IHC) made a significant decision on Wednesday, ordering the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Asad Umar. This development comes after Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC heard the plea filed by Asad’s counsel. Asad Umar was among the members who were held under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
In addition to the release order, the court directed Asad, a close aide of Imran Khan, to sign an undertaking, ensuring that he will not participate in any form of agitation or incitement. The IHC also reserved verdicts in two other cases, where Asad’s counsel had sought bail.
The recent decision follows the release of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, another prominent figure, who was detained but later released by the Islamabad High Court. However, Qureshi faced another period of detention after being set free initially.
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On May 10, Asad was apprehended from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, one day after PTI chairman Imran Khan was taken into custody on corruption charges. Asad Umar, accompanied by Shah Mahmood Qureshi, visited the court to file a petition seeking permission to meet Imran Khan. It was during this visit that an anti-terrorism squad took Asad Umar into custody.
Asad Umar had just left the office of the Islamabad Bar Association and was on his way to the Supreme Court to submit an identical petition when the security forces apprehended him.
This decision by the Islamabad High Court signifies a significant turn of events for Asad Umar and the PTI. With his release, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the ongoing legal proceedings and the political landscape in Pakistan.
