FIA summons PTI’s Marwat over tweet

PTI leader asked to appear before agency along with mobile phone

ISLAMABAD:

The Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued a notice summoning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat on March 18 for levelling serious allegations on social media platforms.

The summons follows a complaint filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Barrister Aqeel Malik regarding a tweet made by Marwat.Marwat, residing at G9/1 in Islamabad, was served a summons notice under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

The notice stated that an inquiry would commence based on the request of Barrister Aqeel Malik.The notice stated that the newly elected MNA tweeted on March 9 using his Twitter handle, summoning him to participate in the inquiry and provide relevant evidence.

It further mentioned that failure to appear for the inquiry will be interpreted as having nothing to contribute to the matter.The notice advised Marwat to bring his mobile phone and electronic devices along with him.

It also warned that failure to comply is subject to punishment under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

However, it remains unclear which specific tweet prompted the complaint.In one tweet, Marwat claimed to be the target of a plot orchestrated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stating, "It is imperative to publicly acknowledge that 'Maryam Nawaz Sharif' poses a threat to my life, as she has orchestrated an 'assassination attempt against me,' which can take place at any time.

"He further alleged, "An amount of $100,000 has been allocated by Maryam Nawaz Sharif to these assassins for the 'execution of my murder."

"In addition, Marwat used his social media platform to announce PTI's plan for a "historic protest" in Islamabad, urging people to gather at the Zero Point Interchange in the federal capital.

He detailed the logistics, mentioning convoys departing from various cities to join the demonstration, which would eventually move toward the bridge near the Centaurus Mall.Marwat specified that younger participants would march to the press club, while older individuals and families would travel by car.

In another tweet, Marwat commemorated the death anniversary of party worker Ali Bilal, also known as Zille Shah, who died under mysterious circumstances the previous year.

On the other hand, MNA Barrister Aqeel Malik confirmed to The Express Tribune about submitting an application to the FIA and asserted that Marwat failed to provide evidence to support his claims in the tweet and video clip.

The PML-N leader mentioned that Marwat had asserted possessing evidence and even cited another member of the National Assembly, PTI's Secretary General Omar Ayub, as having seen the evidence.

He asserted that the FIA should thoroughly examine all evidence and refrain from levying serious accusations without proper proof.Furthermore, he said that no citizen should face baseless accusations of this magnitude.

He stressed that making serious accusations without evidence was unacceptable and Marwat should appear before the FIA to present the necessary evidence.