After former human rights minister and PTI leader Shireen Mazari was arrested from outside her Islamabad residence on Saturday, almost unanimous condemnation poured in, with journalists, analysts and politicians from both the government and opposition's side criticising the development.
In footage of her arrest, which was aired by broadcasters, Mazari could be seen being dragged out of a car by female police personnel from outside her residence while she could be heard protesting: "No. Don't touch me."
PPP Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said Mazari's arrest was "deplorable and the worst form of political oppression". "Things never seem to change in the land of the pure," he rued.PPP MNA Nafisa Shah said it was "wrong to arrest" Mazari who had no allegations against her.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said the incident "smacks of political victimisation".HRCP condemns the arrest and manhandling of senior PTI leader @ShireenMazari1. Her arrest smacks of political victimisation, which has regrettably become an entrenched practice and is deplorable no matter which party is the perpetrator.Dr Mazari is entitled to due process and the incident must be investigated immediately. From the media fraternity, journalist Mazhar Abbas tweeted, "Shireen Mazari, the first political prisoner under the present government. Political leaders and governments not ready to learn lesson from the past. I don't agree with all her views but strongly condemned her arrest and humiliation."Also condemning the detention was journalist Asma Shirazi, who said Highly condemnable act… this is not the way to deal the critics …. It’s simply a harassment nothing else .Senior journalist Hamid Mir said the PML-N government should clarify its position."Arrest of @ShireenMazari1 by @ICT_Police investigation against her was started when Usman Huzdar was CM but arrested from Islamabad today. Now PMLN must clear it’s position. Dawn News anchor Absa Komal said Mazari's arrest in a "50 year old dubious property case is condemnable". "Evident from her Twitter timeline that she was stepping on some sacred toes," she added."Deplorable. This unlawful conduct is blatant harassment and a clear violation of fundamental rights," said Reema Omer, Legal adviser for the International Commission of Jurists.
Allegations against Mazari
A first information report of the case against Mazari, filed by Anti-Corruption Unit in Dera Ghazi Khan on April 11, said that Mazari had inherited land from her father Ashiq Mohammad Khan. Of that land in Rojhan, the FIR alleges, Mazari transferred 800 kanals to Progressive Farm Limited by way of "forgery".
The FIR claims that according to assistant commissioner Rojhan, there was no trace of these companies in the record of department of revenue and thus, "these companies are bogus." In the FIR, Mazari has been accused of conspiring with local land authorities to make "fake" land transfers.
PTI moves IHC against Mazari's arrest
Soon after, Mazari's daughter petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the arrest as the IHC staff, which had retired for the day, returned to the court premises.
The petition, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, urged that it be accepted and a production order be issued for Mazari.
It also requested that the concerned law enforcement agencies be directed to produce the PTI leader and subsequently be restrained from "extending threats" to the petitioner and her family.
"It is in the public knowledge that the petitioner's mother was a furious critic of the violation of human rights in the hands of the law enforcement agencies. [...] It is also on record that petitioner and her mother were often made target[s] for their bold and straightforward stance with regard to human rights violations in the country," the petition said.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah was at his residence when he was informed about the urgent nature of the petition. He is expected to decide shortly whether or not there will be an immediate hearing on the petition.
PTI leaders submit application for FIR against arrest, Hamza
PTI leaders Asma Qadeer, Zille Huma and Anita Mehsood submitted an application in the Kohsar police station for the registration of a first information report (FIR) against Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz over Mazari's "kidnapping".
In the application, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the PTI leaders stated that the video of Shireen's "arrest" was available. According to the rules, they said, the ACE Punjab had to record the details of its arrival and departure from the capital at the Kohsar police station, since Islamabad was not a part of Punjab.
However, this was not done so, the application noted, adding that it "meant Hamza Shehbaz was responsible for this entire incident".
"Therefore, an FIR should be registered against those responsible, who can be seen in the video, and Hamza Shehbaz for this illegal action and Shireen Mazari's kidnapping," it stated.
Punjab CM Hamza orders Mazari's release after backlash
Following the intense backlash, Punjab CM Hamza Shehbaz ordered Mazari's release, saying that he did "not agree with" the arrest and that action will be taken against the anti-corruption staff that was behind the incident.
"As a woman, Shireen Mazari should be respected," he said in a statement. "The arrest of a woman is not in line with our social values."
"Following the investigation, if the arrest is unavoidable then the law will find its way," he said, adding that "the PML-N, as a political party, believes in respecting women."
The chief minister said he condemned the use of "shameful language" against fellow PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz but "revenge is not our style". He was referring to former prime minister and PTI leader Imran Khan's misogynistic remark made on Friday in Multan.
He instructed Rawalpindi Police to have Mazari freed from the anti-corruption officials' custody.