Court disposes of Absar Alam's petition against FIA

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published September 22, 2021

ISLAMABAD —The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disposed of the petition filed by former PEMRA Chairman Absar Alam against the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after learning that the FIA had withdrawn the inquiry against him.

In some of his tweets, Alam had criticized the establishment for interfering in politics. In response, FIA initiated an inquiry against him. However, Alam challenged the FIA's notice.

While informing the court about the withdrawal of the inquiry, the FIA admitted that initiating an investigation against Alam was, in fact, a mistake.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah, hearing the case, remarked that freedom of expression was a matter of fundamental human rights, adding that harassing the citizen must affect society.

The court urged that the FIA should use these powers when its staff was professionally trained. The chief justice further remarked that the government should protect the freedom of expression rights. Justice Minallah, however, appreciated the FIA for admitting its mistake.

Additional Attorney General Qasim Wadud requested the court to dispose of this matter accordingly.

The court would take up this case on September 27. The petition cited secretary interior, director-general FIA, director of cyber crimes, and inspector Mazhar Shah of the FIA as respondents.

Photo courtesy: geo.tv

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.