LHC strikes down detention orders for 13 PTI workers

WEB DESK: The Lahore High Court on Friday set aside the detention orders of 13 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers, declaring their confinement unlawful and directing authorities to release them immediately.

Justice Farooq Haider issued the ruling while hearing a petition filed by Sohail Manzoor. Advocate Malik Ahed Awan, representing the petitioner, argued that the Nankana Sahib deputy commissioner had misused his authority when he ordered the preventive detention of the 13 political workers on November 21. He contended that the detentions violated both the law and the fundamental rights of the individuals involved.

During the hearing, the government’s lawyer defended the deputy commissioner’s decision, saying the detentions were ordered over concerns that the workers might engage in anti-government activities. The court, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation and ruled the orders invalid.

In its decision, the court instructed the relevant authorities to release all detained PTI workers without delay.