Pak Punjab govt files petition challenging Lakhvi's release in SC

The Punjab government in Pakistan has challenged the Lahore High Court's (LHC) order to release Mumbai terror blasts accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in a petition filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The petition, filed by the Punjab Home Department, argued that there was sufficient evidence against the 26/11 accused but LHC's Justice Anwarul Haq ignored it and ordered his release on April 10, reported the Dawn.

The Punjab government requested the apex court to suspend LHC's verdict and restore Lakhvi's detention under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

The LHC struck down the detention order of prime Mumbai terror blasts accused Lakhvi and ordered his release on April 9.

The news came a day after LHC asked the Punjab government to present "sensitive" documents regarding Lakhvi's activities. The government had earlier maintained that Lakhvi had been kept in custody on the basis of "sensitive information" provided by intelligence agencies.

The decision elicited widespread criticism from the international community, especially India, which termed the decision an "extremely disappointing development" and asked Islamabad to ensure that Lakhvi does not come out of jail.