Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi was arrested on Sunday in Bhimber under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance, which permits detention without trial for up to 90 days to prevent threats to public peace. Mirpur DIG Dr. Liaqat Ali confirmed that Niazi was held at a guest house in Mirpur, declared a sub-jail.
Niazi, who resigned as AJK premier in 2022 to avoid a no-confidence motion by his party (PTI), was heading to a PTI rally demanding the release of Imran Khan when detained. His nephew, Sardar Moteeb, said plainclothes Islamabad police attempted to take custody, but local officials refused.
Niazi faces multiple charges, including abetment, unlawful assembly, obstruction of officials, intimidation, and terrorism-related offences. Two other PTI leaders, Malik Nisar and Dr. Shahnawaz, were also arrested. His bail, granted by the Islamabad High Court, remains valid until August 17.
