Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has taken legal action by approaching the Sindh High Court (SHC) regarding the alleged detention of over 180 party members in Karachi and other parts of Sindh under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. The party accused the Sindh police of conducting raids at the residences of party workers and leaders, leading to the arrest of around 180 individuals. However, the Sindh government has denied these accusations.
The petition filed by PTI’s Sindh General Secretary and Insaf Lawyers Forum President requests the court to declare the order issued under the MPO on February 1 as invalid and seeks the immediate release of the detained party workers. The petition lists 14 respondents, including various high-ranking officials such as the provincial Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and other police authorities.
PTI argues in the petition that the MPO orders are unconstitutional and illegal as they were issued without proper approval or lawful authority from the Provincial Cabinet, violating several articles of the Constitution of Pakistan. The party emphasizes its right to engage in peaceful political activities such as meetings, protests, and expressions, and urges the court to revoke the orders and release all individuals detained under them.
The Sindh government has refuted PTI’s allegations, dismissing them as false and misleading. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon, also responsible for information, clarified that no mass arrests were made under the MPO and criticized PTI for spreading misinformation to fuel political tensions.
