20000106

Hearing on plea against

Mahtab's detention

today

PESHAWAR: A single bench of Peshawar High Court (PHC) will initiate on Thursday preliminary hearing on a habeas corpus petition, challenging detention of the deposed Chief Minister of NWFP, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan.

The petition was filed on December 4 by Sardar Mahtab's brother, Sardar Ishtiaq Ahmad through Advocate Mohibullah Kakakhel.

A separate application asking for provision of appropriate living and sanitation conditions to Sardar Mahtab at Tatara Police Station, Hayatabad, has also been clubbed with the petition.

The petition submitted under Article 199 of the constitution, has prayed before the court to declare the detention of Sardar Mahtab as illegal, without jurisdiction, without lawful authority and of no legal effect.

The petitioner may be directed to be produced before the honourable court and may be directed to be set free forthwith, added the petition.

NWFP Chief Secretary, Central and Regional Chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and SHO Tatara Police Station have been arrayed as respondents in the petition.

Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan is at present, detained under NAB Ordinance for a period of 90 days for his alleged involvement in wheat import scandal and BOI land scam.ÑAPP