The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has concluded the hearing and reserved its judgment on the petition filed by journalist Asad Toor, challenging his arrest and alleging harassment by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
In the proceedings, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq expressed concern over the inconsistencies between the FIA’s preliminary inquiry and the First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Toor.
This development follows Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Shabbir’s extension of Toor’s physical remand by two days in light of accusations that the journalist engaged in a campaign against state institutions.
As detailed in the FIR, Toor faces charges for purportedly orchestrating a derogatory campaign against the judiciary on social platforms X and YouTube. The journalist, who previously initiated a hunger strike in protest of the FIA’s actions, stands accused of promoting anti-state sentiments online under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
At the commencement of the hearing, Chief Justice Farooq inquired if the FIR was based on the initial inquiry that prompted Toor’s notification. Toor’s attorney, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, highlighted the discrepancies among the source report, the summons notice, and the FIR, advocating for the declaration of her client’s arrest as “illegal.”
Addressing the FIA’s legal representation regarding the notice and FIR discrepancies, Justice Farooq reiterated the defence’s previous argument about the notice’s inadequacy and probed the FIA’s lawyer on his understanding and response to these concerns.
Justice Farooq emphasized the necessity for diligence in cases implicating the judiciary or armed forces, advocating for transparency to elucidate the reasons behind the suspect’s prosecution.
In this context, the FIA’s counsel argued against the court taking suo motu action, stating that the FIR was registered after filing the petition.
