slug: bannu-mna-30-day-detention-mpo-order
category: National News
focus keyphrase: Naseem Ali Shah detention
seo title: Naseem Ali Shah Detention: Bannu DC Issues 30-Day MPO Order
meta description: Naseem Ali Shah detention: the Bannu DC has ordered 30 days of preventive detention for the PTI MNA under MPO Section 3(1) at Central Jail Haripur.
tags: Naseem Ali Shah, PTI, Bannu, MPO, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Central Jail Haripur, National Assembly
original element: genuine update: the October 19 detention order as the follow-up to our October 20 arrest coverage
Bannu DC Orders 30-Day Detention of PTI MNA Naseem Ali Shah Under MPO
BANNU: The deputy commissioner of Bannu has ordered the 30-day preventive detention of PTI MNA Maulana Naseem Ali Shah under Section 3(1) of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, days after the lawmaker was picked up from Jamia Markaz-ul-Islami, his madrassa in Ghoriwala.
The order, dated October 19, emerged publicly on Wednesday. It directs that Shah be taken into custody and shifted to Central Jail Haripur, where he will remain detained for 30 days from the time of his arrest unless the order is withdrawn earlier.
What the detention order says
According to the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Ziaur-Rehman, the material placed before him led to the conclusion that the lawmaker’s presence could pose a serious threat to public safety and result in a breach of public peace and order.
The order states: “The activities of the following individual involved in anti-state activities and actively instigating local residents to participate in illegal protests,” adding that the activities included blocking public roads and obstructing the smooth functioning of official duties.
The action was taken on the report of the Bannu District Police Officer. According to Tribune’s report, the DPO’s letter, numbered 6279/PA and dated October 19, raised concerns about the MNA’s alleged activities and their potential impact on law and order in the district.
Shift to Central Jail Haripur
The deputy commissioner directed that Shah be taken into custody and shifted immediately to Central Jail Haripur for the full detention period. The superintendent of the jail has been directed to keep him in custody in accordance with the order.
Copies of the order were forwarded to senior provincial officials, including the additional chief secretary of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs Department, the commissioner of Bannu Division, the regional police officers of Bannu and Hazara divisions, and the district police officers of Bannu and Haripur.
From Monday’s arrest to the detention order
The detention order is the latest development in a case that began on Monday, when police picked up Shah from his madrassa in Ghoriwala. At the time, police had not issued an official statement explaining the reasons for his arrest, and details of any cases registered against him or his whereabouts remained unclear.
The lawmaker is among six PTI MNAs from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa whose detention has drawn a strong response in parliament. The opposition in the National Assembly has demanded production orders for the six lawmakers, describing them as missing and seeking an urgent debate on the circumstances surrounding their detention.
Wider crackdown across KP
The move comes amid a widening crackdown in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The centre has said it is seriously considering emergency in KP, while Afridi has rejected Governor’s Rule and warned of a PTI long march. KP lawyers have also observed a black day and boycotted courts over the emergency move.
Bannu itself has been on edge. The district recently saw a tense episode in which 13 hostages were freed after elders negotiated with militants, and security measures have been tightened across the region following recent protests and concerns over public order.
Frequently asked questions
What is Section 3(1) of the MPO?
Section 3(1) of the West Pakistan Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960 empowers the authorities to order preventive detention in specified circumstances relating to public order. The Bannu deputy commissioner invoked this provision to order Shah’s 30-day detention.
Where will Naseem Ali Shah be detained?
The detention order directs that the PTI MNA be shifted to Central Jail Haripur, where he will remain in custody for 30 days from the time of his arrest, unless the order is withdrawn earlier.
When was the detention order issued?
The order was issued on October 19 but emerged publicly on Wednesday, October 21. The detention period runs from the time of Shah’s arrest on Monday.
Why was the MNA arrested?
According to the detention order, Shah is accused of anti-state activities, inciting local residents to join illegal protests, blocking public roads, and obstructing government officials in the performance of their duties. These are the allegations cited in the official order.
