Islamabad’s High Court Justice, Arbab Muhammad Tahir, has recused himself from presiding over the hearing regarding the petition challenging the detention of PTI leader Shehryar Afridi under the 3rd Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) law. The case has been referred to the Chief Justice for further handling.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir has stepped back from his role in the case, indicating that he will forward the case file to the Chief Justice’s office. The Chief Justice will then assign the case to another judicial bench for consideration.
The petition, submitted by Sher Afzal Marwat Advocate, highlights the arrest of Shehryar Afridi under the provisions of the 3MPO following an order from the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad. Presently, Shehryar Afridi is incarcerated in Adiala Jail.
The petition names the Interior Secretary, IG Islamabad, District Magistrate, and Superintendent of Adiala Jail as respondents. It asserts that Shehryar Afridi was taken into custody immediately after leaving the premises of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi. Upon investigation, it was revealed that an arrest warrant under the 3MPO was issued by an Islamabad Magistrate on August 8. The petition seeks the nullification of the 3MPO-based arrest and requests the issuance of an order for his release.
