ISLAMABAD, SEP 01 (Online): Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered to take action against the FIA officers who are involved in arresting two journalists at Lahore in journalists’ harassment case.
The case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC presided over by Chief Justice (CJ) IHC Athar Minallah here Wednesday.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) told the court if FIA officers have violated rules and regulations then action should be taken against them.
The court remarked we have said it repeatedly that this impression should be dispelled. Why have they gone after these journalists who are giving opinion against the government? What happened in Lahore after previous hearing. FIA committed contempt of court.
The court while expressing displeasure remarked why FIA is playing this game with the court You are misleading the court. Do the SOPs framed after the court’s order not apply to FIA.
FIA officer said the same SOPs apply to Lahore FIA. Circular was issued.
CJ IHC remarked you confirmed it what impression prevails against you. Tell us what action was taken against the officers who are involved in Lahore incident. Only one notice of FIA is enough to frighten a common citizen. This court is showing restraint. But we will not ignore it. As to why it should not be asked from Shahzad Akbar that why the decision of this court has not been implemented. The allegation of most of the journalists proved correct due to the conduct of FIA. How the court should run this matter ahead. Director FIA mislead this court. Should this court give free hand to you now. Tell us about the officer of FIA who has violated the SOPs. Has any action been taken against him. If FIA has not taken action against Lahore incident then who is accountable.
He further remarked society is running under the constitution. I had asked that this impression should be allayed that the actions is being taken only against the journalists. Tell us what your Lahore director did.
AAG Qasim Wadood requested the court to give one chance then we see it.
The court remarked action should be taken against the officers who did it in Lahore and they should be made example. DG FIA should have made the officer involved in Lahore incident precedent. If any passer by lodges complaint against the Prime Minister (PM) will the FIA then call the PM. Every one has one’s own opinion. But FIA cannot use this law this way.
The court directed the FIA that it is agency of the state , therefore, it should be more careful. PM too believes in freedom of expression. All of a sudden it came to light that FIA officers are firing upon the people in their homes. . This is test case, Proceedings is running before the court. Misuse of powers is continuing. Freedom of expression can be misused. Lying is also continuing. But this is not way of regulation. There are fundamental rights of the people. We will not allow any one to violate them.
AAG said I only want to say that Supreme Court (SC) has summoned its record. Wait a bit.
. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till September 27.
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