Day: March 5, 2024

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on March 5 issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in response to a petition challenging the ban on social media platform X.

The petition was filed on March 4 by Islamabad resident Ehtisham Abbasi, naming the information ministry and PTA as respondents. Abbasi urges the IHC to order the immediate lifting of the ban on X “in the interest of justice.”

The petition argues that the ban violates Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. Additionally, it asserts that the ban infringes upon the fundamental right to dignity under Article 14.  The petition contends the respondents’ actions are “deliberate, arbitrary, mala fide, without lawful authority” and threaten other constitutional and statutory rights.

Access to X has been disrupted in Pakistan since February 17. The new disruption in access to X comes after the closure of mobile connectivity and data services on election day on February 8 across Pakistan.  This incident cast doubt on the credibility of the entire election and raised questions about the government’s motives for leaving citizens in the dark.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) had previously ordered the restoration of X services, but the platform remains inaccessible.

During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked, “Is X closed?” The petitioner’s lawyer confirmed the closure on February 17. Justice Farooq inquired about the status of a related matter in the Sindh High Court and was informed of a contempt of court petition being heard on March 5. Following this exchange, Justice Farooq announced the issuance of notices for the next week.

The exact reasons behind the ban and the identity of the party responsible for it remain unclear. The Information Minister Murtaza Solangi denied responsibility, stating the caretaker government did not discuss the issue.

The post IHC Issues Notices to Information Ministry, PTA on Social Media Ban Petition first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore ordered a five-day physical custody remand for anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan on March 1, following his arrest related to incidents of violence outside Zaman Park, Lahore, amidst a turbulent political backdrop and heightened security measures in the area on May 9, 2023.

Presented before the court by Racecourse police, Riaz Khan, who was already under judicial remand in a corruption case, faced accusations of arson and stone-pelting at police officials outside the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The investigation officer cited witness statements, seeking a 15-day remand for further investigation and a photogrammetry test. However, Judge Naveed Iqbal opted for a shorter five-day physical remand, scheduling Khan’s next appearance for March 6.

On March 1, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, led by Judge Naveed Iqbal, ordered a five-day physical custody remand for Riaz Khan. The police had sought a 15-day remand, citing witness statements and the need for further investigation, including a photogrammetry test. However, the court settled on a shorter remand period, scheduling Khan’s next appearance for March 6.

Riaz Khan’s counsel argued against the charges, asserting that the anchorperson was merely covering the incident for Bol TV and that there were ample videos available to establish his innocence. Khan himself maintained his innocence, expressing faith in divine justice and hinting at political motivations behind his arrest.

Corruption Case and Bail

Alongside the remand, a separate anti-corruption court has granted Imran Riaz post-arrest bail concerning allegations of inflating a contract price related to Dharabi Lake in Chakwal, Punjab. His defense team has dismissed the charges as unfounded.

On February 23, Riaz Khan was arrested from his residence late at night and subsequently jailed by a Lahore district court.

The First Information Report (FIR) filed against Riaz Khan, included charges under Sections 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 161 (public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect to an official act) and 162 (taking gratification, in order by corrupt or illegal means to influence public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code. It also invoked Section 5(2)47 (criminal misconduct) of the Prevention Of Corruption Act, 1947.

Deputy Prosecutor Abdul Samad opposed the petition and urged the court to deny bail to the suspect. He said the suspect and his father secured a contract of Dhrabi Lake in Chakwal in connivance with government officials at a throwaway price. Despite objections from the prosecution, Judge Safdar Ali Bhatti granted bail upon the provision of surety bonds worth Rs100,000.

In response to the court’s decision, Riaz Khan expressed his faith in divine justice, hinting at political motivations behind his arrest. Riaz Khan in his statement post-hearing, “God is greatest, and no one is more powerful than God.” He alleged that the charges levied against him were underpinned by political motives, suggested to be driven by a prominent female political figure, though he refrained from directly identifying her (interpreted to be the recently sworn-in Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz).

The post Imran Riaz Khan Remanded to Police Custody In Connection with Zaman Park Clash Case first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).