Allegations of Torture Surround Former Pakistani Foreign Minister’s Detention

In a court hearing in Rawalpindi, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that he was subjected to physical and mental torture during his recent imprisonment. Qureshi stated that he was illegally abducted from prison, recounting the alleged abuse during his statement at the Rawalpindi Judicial Complex.

Although the court has reserved its verdict, reports suggest that Qureshi’s release from Adiala Jail was approved by the Supreme Court through post-arrest bail in a cipher case related to the May 9 violence. However, his attempts to communicate with Punjab Police reportedly led to mistreatment and his forceful removal from the prison. The PTI leader’s daughter expressed dissatisfaction with the security arrangements outside the court, likening the treatment to that of a terrorist, emphasizing the restricted access to the Judicial Complex, and criticizing the police’s behavior as disappointing.