ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi after he submitted an undertaking as directed by the court.
Earlier, the high court had required Qureshi to sign an undertaking stating that he would refrain from inciting violence or creating agitation among workers. While Qureshi expressed initial reluctance to give a clear undertaking, he eventually submitted the required document. As a result, the court ordered his release.
On May 18, the IHC had nullified the arrest orders against Qureshi and ordered his release, but on the condition that he submits a written undertaking pledging to refrain from participating in violent protests or inciting any form of violence in the future.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s Arrest
Qureshi was among the prominent PTI leaders arrested in Islamabad following the outbreak of violent protests by PTI workers after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9 in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
At the time of his arrest, Qureshi had encouraged party workers to continue their struggle for “true freedom” in the country.
The former foreign minister had been detained by the police in connection with cases related to riots and arsons in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In his defense, Qureshi stated that as a foreign minister of Pakistan, he had always defended the country’s interests at various forums.
He claimed to have been involved in practical politics for 40 years and expressed confidence that the PTI’s movement would ultimately achieve its goals. Qureshi clarified that he had not made any provocative statements that could lead to legal action.
Earlier, former state minister Ali Muhammad Khan had also been directed by the court to submit a similar undertaking.
