Only Shehla Raza’s statement recorded in ‘derogatory’ speech case

The FIA Cybercrime Circle on Thursday could only record the statement of PPP lawmaker Shehla Raza in connection with a case of using “contemptuous and derogatory” language against the Chief Justice of Pakistan while the remaining party members including four MNAs did not appear before the inquiry team reportedly due to their participation in the National Assembly session.

Last week, the FIA had issued notices to eight PPP MNAs and MPAs, including two provincial ministers, to appear in person in a case of “delivering contemptuous, derogatory and indecent speeches” against the CJP.

The lawmakers included Dr Nafisa Shah, Qadir Patel, Shahida Rehmani, Naz Baloch, Shehla Raza, Qadir Mandokhel, Nasir Shah and Saeed Ghani among others.

The FIA had registered an FIR against PPP activist Masoodur Rehman Abbasi on a complaint lodged by Mohammad Sohail Sajid under sections 10, 11, 20 of PECA and sections 500, 505 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

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The Supreme Court also initiated contempt proceedings against Abbasi on charges of using derogatory and contemptuous language against the chief justice.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Abbasi was in contact with different political personalities who mostly belonged to the PPP.

Sources said the FIA team especially flew into Karachi on the request of the PPP leaders to record their statements. It was said that the inquiry team could only record the statement of Shehla and was told that the remaining members of the party including four MNAs were busy in the National Assembly session.