RAWALPINDI (Daily Point) — PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was taken into custody by Rawalpindi police from Adiala jail on Wednesday in connection with a case related to violent protests on May 9.

Qureshi, who was previously detained under the maintenance of public order, expressed his innocence and claimed political victimization.

Addressing the media outside the prison, Qureshi stated that the charges against him were baseless, emphasizing that he was being unfairly targeted for political reasons. He decried the perceived oppression and injustice, describing it as a mockery of the Supreme Court’s orders.

The arrest is linked to Qureshi’s alleged involvement in the May 9 riots following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on corruption charges. Sources revealed that Qureshi was arrested in connection with a GHQ attack case and is set to appear in an anti-terrorism court (ATC).

Rawalpindi police, acting on a letter from the city police officer (CPO), revoked the 3-MPO detention order a day earlier. The letter cited Qureshi’s alleged participation in anti-state activities and property damage, expressing concern that his release could lead to further disturbances.

Despite being granted bail in the cipher case, Qureshi’s 15-day detention order was issued, citing the potential for him to engage in unlawful activities post-release. The Rawalpindi District Intelligence Committee endorsed the police department’s stance on Qureshi’s detention.

Qureshi, a former foreign minister, has faced multiple arrests in connection with PTI protests earlier in the year, where state properties, including military installations, were allegedly vandalized. In August, he was implicated in a cipher case under the Official Secrets Act, accused of leaking diplomatic cipher contents during a public gathering along with ex-PM Imran Khan.