Khawaja Izhar released after brief arrest in Karachi

Izhar, who was arrested in the day after a police raid at his house which led to the suspension of SSP Malir Rao Anwar, who led the police party in the whole episode.

Additional IG Karachi told ARY News that the MQM leader was released under Article 497 2 (b). The release came after orders from Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah.

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Related: Rao Anwar says his suspension doesn’t mean Izhar’s release

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Izhar’s laywer claimed that the MQM MPA was released on bail and on condition that he will present himself in the court in the cases registered against him.

He maintained that he is on bail in 25 cases against him but was not told about a “secret First Information Report (FIR)” against him.

Izhar’s post-release presser 

In a post release presser, Izhar claimed that before his arrest, plain-clothed policemen arrived at his residence and gave impression as if they were searching for some suspect.

He blamed the police for breaching his privacy by claiming that no lady police officer accompanied the contingent which raided his house.

The MQM MPA thanked CM Sindh for taking immediate notice of his arrest and securing his release afterwards.

Izhar’s arrest 

Earlier in the day, SSP Malir Rao Anwar detained MQM leader Khwaja Izhar from his residence without giving any reason or producing an arrest warrant.

CM Sindh took notice of what he termed the “illegal arrest” of a legislator without informing Sindh Assembly’s speaker and suspended Anwar immediately.

Rao Anwar, however,  insisted that Izhar’s arrest was legal and a number of cases registered against him led to his detention.

Exclusive footage: Khwaja Izhar being taken into custody