Release Shah Mahmood Qureshi, IHC orders Islamabad police

The detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) statute was pronounced "illegal" by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday and he was ordered released.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the IHC gave the directions while hearing a lawsuit challenging Shah Mahmood Qureshi's arrest.

While giving the release orders, the court instructed the PTI leader to submit an undertaking similar to that of former state minister Ali Muhammad Khan.

Qureshi's lawyers informed the court that the undertaking would be submitted after talking with the PTI leader.

Qureshi was detained from Islamabad within 24 hours of the commencement of violent protests by PTI workers following the incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan — as the government tightened the noose around the party.

He was apprehended in the early hours of May 11 after a Section 3 (3MPO) operation on Gilgit-Baltistan House in Islamabad.

According to authorities, the former foreign minister was arrested in connection with riots and arson in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prior to his detention, however, the PTI chairman encouraged party members to continue their fight for "true freedom" in the country.

"As Pakistan's foreign minister, I defended Pakistan's interests in every forum." "I've been involved in practical politics for 40 years," he explained.

Qureshi went on to say that he has no regrets and has made no controversial statements that could lead to legal action. He was certain that the PTI movement would succeed.