The Islamabad High Court recently issued warrants for the arrest of Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon due to his involvement in the illegal detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar. Presided over by Judge Justice Babar Sattar, contempt of court proceedings were initiated not only against Memon but also against Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Malik Jameel Zafar and Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Amjad Buttar. While Zafar and Buttar appeared before the court with legal representation during the hearing, Memon failed to attend, citing Umrah travel with his mother as the reason for his absence.
Despite Memon’s explanation, the court questioned the lack of prior notification regarding his absence and denied his request for exemption from the hearing. Justice Babar Sattar emphasized the court’s stance by directing the Islamabad police inspector-general to apprehend Memon and ensure his presence before the court. This development underscores the seriousness with which the court is handling the case of Afridi and Gulzar’s unlawful detention and holding accountable those responsible, including high-ranking officials like Memon.
The legal saga began last August when the Islamabad High Court suspended the arrest order against Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), paving the way for their release. Additionally, the court initiated criminal proceedings against SSP Zafar and DC Memon for their roles in the prolonged detention. Subsequently, on September 7, a contempt of court case was launched against Memon and other officials, further highlighting the court’s determination to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law in the matter of Afridi and Gulzar’s detention under the MPO.
