Lawyer Jibran Nasir was picked up in Karachi on Thursday night, claimed wife Mansha Pasha.

“Half an hour ago, me and my husband Jibran Nasir who is a famous lawyer and worked for Pakistan, some people took him away,” she said in a video statement which was being circulated on social media.

“We were returning home after dinner, a big vehicle white vigo. It intercepted our car and almost crashed it. There were at least 15 armed people. They forcefully took away my husband,” said emotional Mansha.

She requested everyone to raise a voice and pray that her husband returns home soon. Soon after the news broke out, #ReleaseJibranNasir was among top trends on Twitter.

Nasir contested the 2018 general elections from Karachi as an independent candidate. He has been vocal in his criticism of the recent state crackdown on the PTI and as well as the legal process involving those who allegedly took part in the riots.

Though it was not clear why he was “picked up”, his last tweet was on Islamabad.

“Any and all public display of vandalism or violence by Abdul Aziz should be seen with extreme caution. He isn’t a free agent who acts on his own whims,” he tweeted.

Condemnations

Aurat March Karachi condemned the arrest and urged the government to ensure his immediate and unconditional safe release.

The PTI condemned the development and demanded the immediate release of Nasir.

“Jibran has been raising his voice against PTI’s persecution, which is most likely why he was picked up,” said lawyer Reema Omar.

Imaan Mazari had no words.

Head of Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Strategic Reforms Salman Sufi expressed hope that the Sindh police would assist Nasir’s family and locate him immediately.

“If news of Jibran Nasir being abducted is correct, then the act is entirely unacceptable. One may not agree with many of his recent statements, but must remember that when Lal Masjid goons were being appeased by the state, he alone was standing up to them. Release him now!” said author Jibran Nasir.