IHC directs PTI leader to appear before JIT

The IHC has directed PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram to appear before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the social media campaign and submit his statement.

IHC Justice Inam Ameen Minhas heard Akram's plea challenging the formation of the JIT. In his petition, Akram argued that the federal government had formed the JIT under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and that it was operating under the Islamabad IG. He challenged the July 26 notification establishing the JIT, claiming that its formation was illegal and violated Section 30 of PECA.

Akram's lawyer argued that cybercrime investigations fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and should not be handled by the police. He stressed that the JIT should be led by an officer from the relevant investigation agency rather than a police officer.

The court issued notices to interior secretary, joint investigating team and Islamabad IG and directed PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram to appear before the JIT and submit his statement.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till April 21.

ECP appointments

The IHC issued pre-admission notices to the president and the prime minister, through their secretaries, besides the CEC and members of the ECP and others on a petition against delay in the appointment of a new CEC and two ECP members.

IHC Justice Muhammad Azam Khan took up the petition filed by National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz. They said that the term in office of the CEC and the ECP members from Sindh and Balochistan had expired, yet they continuing in the offices.

Immigration, NAB officials

The IHC issued show-cause notices to the director general of the Immigration and Passport, and a director of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for violating the court orders.