LHC Issues Notices to Foreign Secretary Over PTI-Linked Detentions in UAE

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar in two contempt petitions regarding the alleged non-compliance with a previous court order concerning the detention of two Pakistani citizens affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On September 14, the LHC directed the foreign secretary to process and respond to representations regarding the detentions of Syed Salman Raza Zaidi and Muhammad Junaid Jahangir within a 15-day timeframe. During the hearing on Thursday, Justice Sadiq Mehmood Khurram listened to arguments presented by Barrister Abuzar Salman Niazi, who represented the petitioners. Niazi claimed that the detainees had been denied access to consular, diplomatic, and legal support.

The lawyer emphasized that despite the passage of considerable time since the court’s directive, the petitioners had not received any formal communication regarding the status of their representations. He urged the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the foreign secretary for failing to comply with the order.

Following the initial arguments, Justice Khurram issued notices to the foreign secretary, indicating that further legal proceedings may follow. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Pakistani citizens abroad and the responsibilities of the government in ensuring their rights are upheld.