Islamabad High Court (IHC) extended the stay order against the registration of FIR of a case regarding altercation between PTI MNA Kanwal Shozaib and a citizen, as the lawyer of the petitioner agreed on reconciliation.
A single-member bench of IHC presided over the petition filed by the MNA against the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against her in a case pertaining to a dispute with a neighbouring citizen.
During the proceeding, the counsel of the petitioner said that they were ready to reconcile with the defendant if they were given time. He added that the citizen had lodged a complaint with the police as well. “We have lodged an application with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) which is pending,” he added.
At this, the chief justice questioned how could FIA look into a matter of defamation. He inquired since when FIA was getting involved in the matter of a common man like in this case.
He remarked that the FIA abused its power for the lawmaker. Minallah remarked that other works would go in pending if FIA started looking into defamation cases.
The counsel contended that FIA could interfere if the defamation had elements of cybercrime. The court suggested the lawyer amicably resolve the matter as it was a matter between two neighbours.
Chief Justice noted that MNA Shohzaib had gone to the citizen with a cake and flowers to resolve the issues, which is a welcome gesture. The court stated that it was restraining to issue an order in the matter. The hearing of the case was adjourned until January 27.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2021.
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