Senate standing committee takes notice of treason case against Absar Alam
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 15 September 2020
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The Senate Standing Committee has reacted to the treason case filed against journalist Absar Alam. Alam faces allegations related to his tweets regarding government officials.Summary
ISLAMABAD--Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights has taken notice of the registration of a treason case against journalist Absar Alam and summoned Jhelum’s district police officer (DPO), according to the body’s chairman Senator Nawaz Khokhar.
In a tweet, the PPP Senator said: “Senate Human Rights Committee has taken notice of reg of an fir against journalist Absar Alam. DPO Jhelum has been called. Parliament will keep on raising its voice but would the superior judiciary also take note? As guardian of the constitution & protector of citizen’s rights!”
Police in Jhelum registered the sedition case against Alam for his tweets against the government and the military.
However, in an interview, Alam said the case had been registered because he asked for the money trail of Lt. Gen. (Retd) Asim Bajwa’s business interests in and outside Pakistan.
Bajwa, who heads the CPEC Authority, is also an advisor to the prime minister on information and broadcasting.
KEY POINTS:
- The Senate Committee on Human Rights is investigating a treason case against Absar Alam.
- Alam's case stems from his criticism of the government and military on social media.
- The Jhelum DPO has been summoned for clarification on the FIR.
- Alam claims the case is linked to his inquiries about Lt. Gen. (Retd) Asim Bajwa's financial dealings.
- The incident raises concerns about freedom of expression in Pakistan.
