Arrest of more opposition MNAs expected soon

Opposition parties are preparing a protest strategy in which certain targeted leaders may "go into hiding" to avert arrest, and later surrender voluntarily at large protest de-monstrations.

This came on the heels of a warning Monday from Interior Minister Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, who said that more opposition members can be arrested if they are found involved in the case in which Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has been arrested.

A senior ARD leader explained that this strategy was embarked on to ensure the protesters make their point without being hindered by the authorities. He also said they had "information" that such arrests would be made "before Eid, maybe even in the next three days."

It is understood that cases for this are being drafted, including charges against ARD leaders who have also shown the treasonous letter released by Hashmi in public or dispatched it to the press.

Replying to a question about investigations into the case of Hashmi, Faisal has also said his physical remand could be extended if so required by the investigation officer. He also called upon the leadership of two major opposition parties (PPP and PML-N) to return and face cases registered against them in courts.

The interior minister said the opposition has not been taking interest in proceedings of the House and also does not want the treasury benches to carry out any business. "The opposition parties are not fulfilling the promises made with their voters while the government is taking steps for welfare of the people," he said. He asked the opposition to show respect to democratic norms so that the institutions and democratic process could be strengthened.

Meanwhile the chief organiser of the PML-N in Multan, Bilal Butt, has alleged that Hashmi was being tortured and was in critical condition in the custody of secret agencies.

Butt claimed Hashmi's family, in Multan, had also not been informed as to his whereabouts. He said that all police stations denied they are holding Hashmi and therefore the Supreme Court should make sure that Hashmi is brought to the court by taking his case on their own initiative.

Butt said Hashmi's family and friends are clueless about the place of his detention and the police have declined to accept the responsibility for his arrest.