IHC irked at FIA raid on citizen’s house

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday expressed its displeasure at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raiding a journalist’s house on an ambiguous notice.

The court remarked that it was not a joke to raid private residences purposelessly, adding that the court will not allow violation of basic rights.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard a petition filed by local journalist Rana Arshad in which he challenged FIA's raid on his house. CJ Minallah asked why FIA had issued a vague notice to Arshad without a date and purpose for the summon.

“Do you realise the repercussions of a raid? The neighbours see it and think why it is happening. You are making an individual a criminal,” the court remarked. An FIA official said investigations were launched on directions of a deputy director, and they visited the house to verify the address.

At this, CJ Minallah remarked that the agency must take action on a complaint but it was inappropriate for an officer to raid a house in such a manner.

The court ordered FIA to include the petitioner in the probe and adjourned the hearing for 10 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2020.