SC should take suo moto notice of Qureshi’s arrest: Barrister Gohar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Thursday condemned the "torture" and arrest of the party's Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, calling on the Supreme Court to take a suo motu notice of the matter.

The senior politician was taken into custody on Wednesday by Rawalpindi police from Adiala jail in connection with a case related to May 9 violent protests, a day after being detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO) following approval of his bail in the cipher case last week.

The former ruling party maintains that Qureshi's latest arrest was "illegal" as he had been bailed out by the apex court and the orders for his detention under the 3-MPO were also withdrawn soon after being issued.

Speaking to media outside Adiala jail, where PTI founder Imran Khan has been incarcerated, Barrister Gohar Khan said "Shah Mahmood Qureshi was pushed and tortured yesterday".

Barrister Gohar said that PTI is being targeted for several months.

Talking about any possibility of forming an electoral alliance or supporting any other party, Barrister Gohar said that no decision has been made in this regard.

"Sheikh Rashid has his own party. No decision has yet been made regarding an alliance with him," he said referring to Awami Muslim League (AML) chief, who is PTI supremo's close ally in politics.

As the electioneering picks up pace with less than two months left in general elections, PTI complains about the absence of a "level playing field" for it to participate in the electoral process.

"This caretaker setup is subjecting us to injustice," Gohar said.

He, however, added that PTI supremo Khan has reiterated the pledge to "fight till the last ball".

The PTI leader further stated the party wants Khan to contest in elections.

Speaking about the ticketing of candidates, he said that the party is finalising the tickets and will reach a decision in a few days.

Barrister Gohar also ruled out the possibility of giving tickets to "those who held press conferences" to announce their detachment from PTI, saying that the party was not considering such individuals.

Nomination papers of all PTI leaders have been submitted, he added.

He advised PTI candidates to remain calm, highlighting their substantial submission of nomination papers despite challenging circumstances.

Gohar Ali Khan said Nawaz Sharif's influence in hindering fair contests and stressed the need for adherence to the principles.

He underscored the importance of peaceful conduct among PTI workers and warned against potential economic repercussions if the elections lacked transparency.

Additionally, he asserted PTI's commitment to fielding candidates in every constituency without forming alliances, blaming Nawaz Sharif's planned return who didn't like PTI's participation in general elections.

Gohar Ali Khan called for the Election Commission to ensure transparency and address any electoral misconduct.