LHC summons interior, defence secys

Court hears a petition pertaining to arrest and harassment of digital media persons

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned the interior and defence secretaries in their personal capacities against the arrests and harassment of individuals associated with digital media.

According to Express News, the court heard a petition filed on behalf of citizen Nabeel Rasheed by his lawyer.

The court expressed displeasure over the parties concerned failure to submit a response and summoned the interior and defence secretaries in their personal capacities.

Justice Anwarul Haq Pannun remarked that the parties were disobeying the court orders and creating a negative impression.

He questioned what message was being sent internationally that there was no respect for courts in Pakistan.

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He said the parties concerned were not earning a good name, adding that no one was above the law and suggested summoning the interior and defence secretaries, noting that they even disregarded the president.

The petitioner's lawyer highlighted that individuals associated with digital media were being picked up, recalling that a YouTuber was held for over three hours a day ago.

The counsel argued that the suspects were arrested with the help of a footage provided by the digital media persons who were now facing harassment.

He assured the court of cooperation if anyone needed to be investigated and expressed concern about three missing digital media persons whose whereabouts were unknown.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till Monday.