LHC Calls Foreign Ministry’s Report on PTI Workers’ Detention Unsatisfactory

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has deemed a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the detention of two PTI-affiliated Pakistani citizens in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as unsatisfactory, prompting the court to summon a relevant official for the next hearing.

On September 14, the LHC directed the foreign secretary to process and decide within 15 days on representations concerning the detention of Syed Salman Raza Zaidi and Muhammad Junaid Jahangir. During a hearing on October 22, the court issued notices to the foreign secretary while addressing two contempt pleas related to the non-implementation of its earlier order.

In a response submitted through the attorney general’s office, the ministry stated that it had referred the matter to the Pakistani mission in the UAE immediately after receiving the court’s directives. Additional Secretary (Middle East) Zahid Hussain noted that the mission was instructed to pursue the matter with UAE authorities and provide an expedited report to the ministry.

The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, raising concerns about the treatment of Pakistani citizens abroad and the effectiveness of diplomatic channels in addressing such issues. The court’s insistence on accountability highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, even in foreign jurisdictions.

Looking ahead, the LHC is set to continue its examination of the case, with the next hearing expected to shed further light on the foreign ministry’s actions and the status of the detained citizens.