Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner, Rafia Haider, has issued a detention order for renowned fashion designer Khadija Shah for an additional 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. The decision aims to preserve “law and order in the provincial capital” and follows an Anti-Terrorism Court’s (ATC) grant of post-arrest bail to Shah in the latest case related to the May 9 riots.
Khadija Shah’s legal predicament originated from her arrest during the nationwide unrest on May 9, triggered by the detention of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The subsequent protests turned violent, leading to attacks on military and state installations.
Shah voluntarily surrendered to the police on May 23, following her association with the May 9 riots. She faced multiple charges related to her alleged involvement in vandalism and attacks on security installations. Despite securing bail in all four cases, the recent ATC decision prompted the Deputy Commissioner’s order for her extended detention.
After Shah’s bail on November 15, the “District Intelligence Committee” convened, endorsing the evidence provided by the police department. The committee unanimously recommended Shah’s detention to maintain law and order in the city, as per the Lahore DC’s order.
Under Section 3 of the MPO, the government can arrest and detain suspected persons to prevent actions prejudicial to public safety or order. The DC, convinced that Shah’s presence in public places poses a threat to public safety, directed her detention under the superintendent of Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat, Lahore.
The DC emphasized Shah’s alleged provocative and violent role, backed by evidence obtained through geo-fencing and social media monitoring. The order noted Shah’s involvement in criminal activities during the investigation, extending beyond vandalism to actively inciting others to create public disturbances.
Expressing genuine concern that Shah might incite the public again, the DC highlighted the potential for destructive and vandalizing activities. The 30-day detention aims to curb such activities and safeguard public safety and order.
