Action expresses priorities
By Farieha Aziz
In response to the recent detention and arrests of political workers, social media activists and journalists upon the directions of the Ministry of Interior, by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for their investigation into alleged ‘anti-army’ campaigners online, Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed filled a constitutional petition in Sindh court.
The petition is filed on behalf of nine citizens namely, Farieha Aziz, Afia Salam, Nazim Haji, Zohra Yusuf, Ghazi Salahuddin, Ziad Zafar, Uzma Noorani, Mahnaz Rahman and Jibran Nasir.
The petitioner's argue that disrespect or criticism of the armed forces does not fall within any of the exceptions to Article 19 that makes it a criminal offence.
This also brings to light the narrowly construed exceptions to Article 19 which obstructs freedom of speech of citizens and hinders a truly democratic setup with checks and balance.
Phone calls, summons, detentions, arrests and seizure of devices over vague charges by the FIA without any lawful authority and that without FIRs and warrants, is a violation of the due process of law guaranteed under Articles 4, 10-A and 13 of the Constitution of Pakistan, as well as relevant provisions of the FIA Act and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) read with the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898.
Such actions to intimidate and harass are not just meant for individuals but for the masses.
For further information, go through these annexures.
