LEGAL

Islamabad High Court Demands Report on Arrest of MNA Zain Qureshi Inside Parliament

The Islamabad High Court has instructed the IG and Chief Commissioner to explain the circumstances of MNA Zain Qureshi's arrest inside Parliament.
2024-10-01
Islamabad High Court Demands Report on Arrest of MNA Zain Qureshi Inside Parliament

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has demanded a comprehensive report from the Inspector General (IG) of Police and the Chief Commissioner regarding the arrest of Member National Assembly (MNA) Zain Qureshi from within Parliament on September 10. The court expressed concern over the lack of compliance with its previous order to submit relevant reports from the National Assembly Secretariat, police, and administration.

 

During the hearing, the State Council was asked to provide a report within one week detailing how the police managed to enter Parliament and execute the arrest. However, the State Council informed the court that it was unable to submit the required report, prompting the judge to question the delays. Justice Amir Farooq highlighted that ten days had passed without any clarity on the situation, emphasizing that the arrest inside Parliament is illegal.

 

The Chief Justice also raised concerns, asking the State Council to clarify the legal basis for the arrest and whether proper procedures were followed, especially considering the privileges and rules governing Parliament. The lawyer representing Qureshi argued that the established rules stipulate that no arrest can occur within the Parliament without the Speaker's permission.

 

In light of these discussions, the court directed the State Council to thoroughly investigate the National Assembly's rules and present a detailed report within a week. Following these proceedings, the hearing was adjourned until October 16.

 

This case has garnered significant attention, as it raises questions about the autonomy of Parliament and the legal protocols surrounding the arrest of lawmakers within its premises.