ISLAMABAD, October 12 (Online): Chief Justice (CJ) Islamabad High Court (IHC) Athar Minallah while expressing annoyance over conducting raid by FIA on the house of a citizen on the basis of suspicious notice has remarked “ it is not barely a joke that FIA carries out raids on the homes of people.
The CJ IHC gave these remarks during the hearing of petition filed by a local journalist Rana Arshid.
The court remarked why FIA issued such a mysterious notice. Even no date was mentioned on the notice. You have not mentioned in the notice that what is reason behind summoning him. It has not been made clear in the notice that why the concerned man is being summoned.
The CJ IHC remarked why did you issue your notice in such a mysterious way. You are violating this law and fundamental rights of general public. Do you know what are the repercussions and consequences of conducting raid. Neighbors see why the raid has been conducted. Who allowed you to conduct inquiry and this raid.
FIA officer told the court deputy director directed to initiate inquiry.
CJ IHC remarked it is not job of FIA. You should conduct investigation at every cost if any complaint comes.
FIA said the investigation officer had gone to petitioners home to verify address .
The court remarked “does the law allow you If some one files compliant in individual capacity. What is this way that you start conducting raids on the homes of people. This court will not allow you. What you have to do you have to do as per law.
CJ inquired who gave you powers to conduct raids on the homes of people. You are overstepping your powers. Under what section you conducted raid. If some private man asks FIA then will you start conducting raids. What material was with you before carrying out raids. Will you conduct raids without any verification. This is breach of fundamental rights. The freedom of expression brings about change in the society. Do you know that what is after affect of conducting raid. You are making a man criminal without any reason.
The court while directing the petitioner to join investigation summoned the report on next hearing. The hearing of the case was adjourned for 10 days.
