Extension sought in Faizabad sit-in case probe

Senior govt official confirms one-month extension sought from SC

ISLAMABAD:

The inquiry commission constituted to enforce the Supreme Court's judgment in the Faizabad Dharna case has requested a three-week extension to finalise its comprehensive report.

A senior government official disclosed to The Express Tribune that the commission sought additional time from the apex court due to the unavailability of key individuals whose statements are crucial to the investigation.

This marks the second extension requested by the commission. Last month, a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, granted a one-month extension for the inquiry's completion.

The federal government established the inquiry commission in November last year.

According to the notification, under the Inquiry Commission Act 2017, the commission is led by retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhtar Ali Shah and includes former IGP Tahir Alam Khan and Additional Interior Secretary Khushal Khan.

Read more: Faizabad sit-in: services chiefs asked to penalise personnel

The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), under the leadership of Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi at the time, staged a sit-in protest at Faizabad in Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

The Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the road blockade in November 2017.

Subsequently, on February 6, 2019, a division bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa delivered its verdict on the sit-in case, criticising the roles of intelligence agencies, PEMRA, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), among others.

All relevant institutions, political parties, and individuals filed review petitions against the judgment.

However, the review petitions were not fixed for four years.

After assuming the office of Chief Justice of Pakistan in September, Justice Isa listed the review petitions for hearing. Interestingly, all petitioners withdrew their review petitions.

The bench then instructed the commission to investigate the motives behind filing review petitions at that time.

The Terms of References (TORs) mandate the commission to inquire into any illegal financial support to the TLP for the Faizabad sit-in and subsequent events. It will also recommend action against those issuing edicts or fatwas during or in relation to the protest that either caused harm or put others in harm's way.

The commission will examine the inaction of the PEMRA against broadcasters and cable operators violating the law and code of conduct. It will also investigate the spread of hate and violence through social media, recommending measures to address it.

Furthermore, the TORs include fixing responsibility for any person or government officers, including those with intelligence agencies, determining violations of the law and liabilities incurred, and recommending measures for police and law enforcement agencies in handling rallies, protests, and sit-ins.

The commission is also tasked with recommending a framework for federal and provincial governments to monitor and prosecute those advocating hate, extremism, and terrorism.

It may inquire into any ancillary matters deemed fit for justice and ensure compliance with the SC’s judgment in SMC No. 7/2017 related to Faizabad Dharna.