ISLAMABAD: In a controversial move, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has raised eyebrows by issuing notices to former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, ex-spymaster Faiz Hamid, and two journalists. This surprising development comes in response to a petition that accuses them of brazenly violating the Official Secrets Act. The court’s decision has stirred up widespread debate and anticipation for the legal proceedings that will follow. Stay tuned for the unfolding drama!
In the heart-wrenching plea, Atif Ali, a compassionate citizen, passionately demanded that a case be filed against the journalists and the esteemed former generals for their involvement in political affairs. The revered director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was also meticulously notified. Justice Farooq, being the beacon of justice, graciously attended to the petition on October 4, and after much anticipation, the court order was finally unveiled on Monday. This monumental verdict shall be etched in the annals of history, as it upholds the pursuit of truth and accountability.
The petitioner passionately argued that the audacious interview of ex-Gen Bajwa was conducted in a scandalously reckless manner. They vehemently accused journalists Javed Chaudhry and Shahid Maitla of shamelessly neglecting their responsibility by publishing the scandalous revelations. The petition boldly asserted that these revelations not only violated the Official Secrets Act, but also directly incited mutiny and disharmony.
It requested the court to issue directions to the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to register an FIR against the former COAS, former ISI chief, and the journalists. Besides, it also sought directions for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to impose a ban on the two journalists.
Initially, the registrar’s office of the IHC in March this year raised an objection, saying that the high court was not an appropriate forum and asked the petitioner to approach the relevant authorities. When the petition was heard by the chief justice, he asked the FIA DG to proceed in accordance with the law. However, the petitioner during the hearing informed the court that the investigation agency did not take any action.
Subsequently, Justice Farooq issued notices to all respondents which included Gen Bajwa, ex-ISI DG, journalists Chaudhry and Maitla, and the FIA.
Gen Bajwa reportedly discussed various matters, including the no-confidence motion, against PTI Chairman Imran Khan, civil-military relations and other issues in interviews with the journalists. The petitioner also annexed these articles with the petition.
The petition stated that the authors of these news articles allegedly distorted facts in order to enhance the viewership. It further said that the articles raised certain questions on the conduct of military authorities which required to be probed.
The petitioner claimed that the respondents had committed a “cognisable offence” and liable to proceed in accordance with the relevant laws. The court adjourned the hearing till a date to be fixed by the registrar’s office.
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