Rawalpindi, CR: Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been detained in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for a period of 15 days under the directives issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner,

The order, issued by Rawalpindi deputy commissioner under the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO), alleges that the PTI leader was involved in instigating violence in the May 9 riots — which saw military installations being vandalized across the country — and that his release might endanger public safety.

“It is probable that after his release from jail, he will again continue his above activities which may lead to a law and order situation, harmful to the life and property of the general public,” read the order.

The development comes as the senior politician was “likely” to be released today after a three-member Supreme Court (SC) approved his and PTI founder Imran Khan’s bail in the cipher case on December 22.

The CPO had proposed a 45-day detention period on the recommendation of the relevant station house officer (SHO). The district intelligence committee also concurred with the assessments of the police and security authorities.

While granting Qureshi the right to appeal, the order detained Qureshi in the Adiala Jail for 15 days. The development comes days after the Supreme Court granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case.

The detention order comes as a major blow to the PTI which was looking forward to Qureshi’s release as it could’ve given a major boost to the party ahead of the upcoming elections slate for February 8, 2024 — in light of Khan’s incarceration and a host of leaders parting ways with the party.

However, both leaders were not released immediately due to their involvement in other ongoing cases.