In retaliation: JI leader to file defamation suit against FIA

PESHAWAR:

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sahibzada Haroon Rasheed has announced his decision to file a defamation suit against the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for registering a false case against him.

Speaking at a news conference at Al Markaz-e-Islami in Peshawar on Thursday, JI leader said he was being victimised by the government for his struggle against the Frontier Crimes Regulations. According to Rasheed, who originally hails from Bajaur Agency, FIA has accused him of attesting fake CNIC documents.

An arrest warrant was obtained against him from a session court in Islamabad.

However, the JI leader insisted the CNIC documents are not fake. According to Rasheed, the CNIC applicant’s grandfather obtained his national identity card in 1982. The JI leader added the applicant had obtained a certificate from the political agent’s office, which categorically states he is Pakistani.

“However, the government is using FIA and court to victimise me,” he said. Rasheed said FIA and a session court in Islamabad have no jurisdiction over matters involving the tribal belt.

“I challenge FIA to discuss the issue at a public forum where it can produce evidence against me,” he said.

The JI leader vowed to raise a voice against attempts to victimise him at all public forums.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2016.