Key Takeaways
- A sessions court in Lahore has issued notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) regarding a petition filed against Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
- The petition seeks registration of a criminal case against JUI-F’s chief for allegedly making derogatory remarks about security personnel during a public speech.
- Advocate Mudassar Chaudhry argued that the comments hurt public sentiments and caused distress to families of martyrs.
A sessions court in Lahore has issued notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Wednesday, following a petition filed against Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The petition seeks the registration of a criminal case based on alleged derogatory remarks made by the JUI-F chief during a public speech.
The petition, filed by citizen Mohammad Waqar, was heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Malik Latif. Advocate Mudassar Chaudhry represented the petitioner in court, arguing that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had made derogatory remarks about Pakistan’s martyrs during a recent party rally in Punjab’s Kasur.
During his speech, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reportedly referred to frequent mentions of soldiers’ martyrdom and added that security personnel were drawing salaries to fight for the country. The counsel argued that these statements hurt the sentiments of the general public and caused distress to the families of martyrs.
Advocate Chaudhry further pointed out that an application had been filed with the NCCIA director, but no action had been taken so far. He prayed the court to direct the NCCIA director to act in accordance with the law on his application and register a case against Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
The petition specifically highlighted that the JUI-F chief made these remarks during a public gathering, which was broadcasted on social media platforms. The counsel argued that such statements were not only hurtful but also violated relevant laws protecting national sentiments.
In response to the petition, the court issued notices to the NCCIA, seeking their response. This development comes at a time when political parties and individuals often face legal challenges over controversial public remarks in Pakistan.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) will now have to respond to the court’s notice within a specified timeframe. The agency is expected to provide its stance on whether the petition should be registered as a criminal case against Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
This legal action underscores the ongoing scrutiny of political rhetoric in Pakistan, particularly when it involves sensitive topics such as national security and martyrs’ sentiments.
