KARACHI: SHC orders Sindh govt to withdraw MPO notification after ruling that the preventive detention order violates the Constitution and established legal principles. The decision came from the Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court during hearings on petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers on Tuesday.
Court Finds Preventive Detentions Unlawful
The bench heard arguments challenging the detention of PTI workers under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law. Petitioners argued that authorities used the law to suppress political activity rather than protect public order.
Barrister Ali Tahir, counsel for the petitioners, told the court that more than 187 families were directly affected by the detentions. He said police carried out raids on homes without lawful justification. Moreover, he argued that authorities falsely accused detainees of disturbing public peace.
SHC Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Notification
After reviewing the arguments, the bench ordered the Sindh government to withdraw the MPO notification. The court ruled that the notification lacked constitutional backing. As a result, continued detentions under the order could not stand.
The bench stressed that preventive detention laws must meet strict legal standards. Otherwise, they risk misuse and abuse of fundamental rights.
PTI Condemns Sindh Government Actions
Speaking outside the court, PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh strongly criticised the provincial government. He claimed that more than 400 PTI workers remain in jails across Sindh. In addition, he said police are holding over 100 individuals illegally in stations.
He called the use of MPO a “clear violation of the Constitution.” According to him, the court’s order exposed what he described as a failed governance system.
Judicial Begins Gul Plaza Inquiry
Meanwhile, the judicial commission formed to investigate the Gul Plaza fire tragedy has formally started its work. Justice Agha Faisal of the Sindh High Court is heading the commission.
SHC Disposes of Related Petitions
The Sindh High Court also disposed of constitutional petitions linked to the Gul Plaza incident. The court took this step after forming the commission to conduct a transparent and comprehensive inquiry.
Why This Matters
Preventive detention laws directly affect civil liberties. Therefore, court oversight is essential. The SHC ruling reinforces constitutional protections and limits executive overreach. Moreover, it sets a precedent against the misuse of public order laws for political purposes.
What Happens Next
The Sindh government must formally withdraw the MPO notification. Authorities may also need to review ongoing detentions. Meanwhile, the Gul Plaza inquiry commission will continue evidence collection and hearings in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q: What did the SHC decide about the MPO notification?
The court declared it unconstitutional and ordered its withdrawal.
Q: Who filed the petitions?
PTI workers challenged their preventive detention under the MPO law.
Q: What is the Gul Plaza inquiry about?
It investigates the fire tragedy through a judicial commission led by Justice Agha Faisal.
