Hearing on NICVD’s plea against FIA inquiry adjourned indefinitely

Mehmoodabad residents move court to restrict anti-encroachment teams

The Sindh High Court adjourned the hearing of plea challenging the Federal Investigation Agency's graft inquiry against the National Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases indefinitely on Tuesday.

The NICVD administration's plea maintains that the health facility falls under the provincial government. Therefore, contends the plea, an inquiry by the FIA on any matters pertaining to the NICVD is illegal and federal authority should be restricted.

The court has already issued notices to the Sindh advocate-general and the attorney-general of Pakistan, and has sought progress reports and records pertaining to the inquiry from the FIA.

Demolitions

Meanwhile, residents of Mehmoodabad approached SHC over the anti-encroachment operation in their area.

The residents have contended in their plea that the authorities are misinterpreting the Supreme Court's orders and are razing houses that have been leased for years.

The petitioners maintain that their houses are part of the official layout plan. They have moved the court to restrict the Anti-Encroachment Cell and other authorities from demolishing houses and appoint the court's nazir to inspect houses.

The National Disaster Management Authority managing director, provincial chief secretary, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and Karachi commissioner have been nominated as parties in the plea.

The anti-encroachment teams have continued their operation on Mehmoodabad Nullah this past week and are scheduled to begin demolitions of houses constructed on drain's land tomorrow (Friday).

Accused cop

Separately, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Iqbal Kalhoro, directed the trial court to record statements of the witnesses over a plea challenging the inclusion of sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act in an extortion case.

The petitioner, Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell Sub-inspector Muhammad Rizwan, accused of extortion of motorcycle mechanics worker, argued that the case against him is false.

He maintained that he launched an operation on the directives of his superiors. Rizwan stated that they were informed of a stolen motorcycle being modified but the wrong person with the same name as the suspect was arrested. The detained motorcycle workers were released the next day when they realised their mistake, said the inspector. But, he added, the Khokhrapar SHO booked him in a case of extortion and terrorism.

Where is the actual suspect, Jameel, who was to be detained for investigation, asked Justice Kalhoro.

Rizwan informed the court that the actual suspect has not been arrested as yet.

When Justice Kalhoro asked the petitioner to inform the court on exactly what had happened, Rizwan maintained that an official, named Bahadur, had collected money from Jameel.

At this, Justice Kalhoro inquired from the investigation officer whether he was trying to protect his fellow police official.

The bench remarked that the trial court will take a decision on this on basis of merit.

The court directed the trial court to record the statements of witnesses within a month.

Smuggling liquor

Besides, the court issued notices to customs officials over the bail plea of the accused in a case pertaining to smuggling of 6,000 liquor bottles.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel claimed that the case against his client, Shehzada Amin Tariq, is a false case. The counsel moved the court to release Tariq on bail.

The court issued notices to customs officials seeking their replies.

According to customs officials, Pakistan Peoples PartyMPA Roshan Junejo and other accused smuggled liquour under the guise of diplomatic immunity.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2021.