IHC seeks arguments from AGP in FIA powers case

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday sought arguments from the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan on the next hearing in a case pertaining to misuse of powers by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case pertaining to the above matter. Director FIA Baber Bakht and others appeared before the court.

During the course of proceedings, the chief justice asked the FIA that it had to satisfy the court that what was defamatory in cases so that it started the inquiry. He asked the FIA to satisfy the bench on cases that were pending with the court.

The court said that this impression was being given that the law was for the protection of women and children. The case of woman MNA was separate and this court had given her relief when a lower court had ordered for registration of FIR against her.

The court asked the director FIA what was defamatory in that woman MNA’s case and why the department had taken action on her application while giving priority to other 94,000 complaints. The FIA official said that it was only the application contents nothing else.

The court remarked that there were strict rules against slandering and modesty. Why these were being confused with defamation, Justice Minallah asked.

The chief justice remarked that a public office holder shouldn’t worry about criticism. How the accountability of the public office holders could be done other than it, he asked.

The court summoned AGP on March 21 and adjourned the hearing of the case.