LAHORE: A provincial review board of the Lahore High Court judges on Wednesday turned down the government request of extending the detention of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.
The board, consisting of Justice Abdul Sami Khan, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Aalia Neelum, ordered the release of Hafiz Saeed on expiry of his 30-day detention if he was not required in any other case.
The government had sought a three-month extension in the detention of Hafiz Saeed, as his latest detention period is set to expire today (Thursday).
The official of the Punjab government produced Hafiz Saeed before the provincial review board under strict security and sought a three-month extension in his detention.
The officers from Finance Ministry and Punjab Home Department presented the documentary record in support of the detention of Hafiz Saeed.
The board held in-camera proceedings and the government counsel could not give any satisfactory reply to the queries regarding alleged anti-state activities of Saeed. The board members asked to present, if any, evidence to prove involvement of Hafiz Saeed in any illegal or anti-state activity.
The Finance Ministry’s official could only reply that Pakistan could face international sanctions if Hafiz Saeed was released.
A government’s law officer told the board that detention of Saeed was also in his favour, as he had threats to his life.
Published in Daily Times, November 23rd 2017.
