LHC terms FIR against journalist unnecessary

Published November 18, 2020
The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi bench on Tuesday termed the First Information Report (FIR) registered against journalist Asad Ali Toor infructuous. — Photo courtesy: Facebook
The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi bench on Tuesday termed the First Information Report (FIR) registered against journalist Asad Ali Toor infructuous. — Photo courtesy: Facebook

ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi bench on Tuesday termed the First Information Report (FIR) registered against journalist Asad Ali Toor infructuous.

Mr Toor was represented by Advocate retired Col Inamur Rahim and Imaan Zainab Hazir-Mazari before Justice Sadiq Mahmud Khurram. Besides, prominent lawyers Umar Gillani, Imtiaz Haider and Sikandar Naeem Qazi being part of the legal committee of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) for defence of journalists fought Mr Toor’s case.

Last month, the Islamabad High Court granted protective bail to journalist Toor in a case registered against him in Rawalpindi by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for ‘defaming’ the army.

The case was registered in the Jatli police station of Rawalpindi in response to a complaint lodged by a habitual litigant Hafiz Ehtasham, a resident of Nasirabad.

The case was registered under Section 499 (defamation), 500 (punishment for defamation) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of Pakistan Penal Code along with sections 11, 20 and 37 of Prevention of the Electronic Crime Act 2016.

According to the FIR, Mr Toor, a social media activist, has allegedly been doing propaganda against Pakistan and its institutions on social media for long.

He allegedly used foul language against the institutions, including Pakistan Army, in his posts during the last few days, which is a crime, the FIR added.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...