A model criminal trial court has ordered police to investigate serious allegations made by PTI Union Council Chairperson Arzoo Faisal Hassan against two lawyers, Waqas Ahmed Sheikh Advocate and Shakeel Ahmed Abbasi Advocate.
The judge gave the order while hearing a petition which sought a court direction to the SHO of B-Section police station, Latifabad, to register an FIR. The court ordered the SHO to record the petitioner's statement and proceed strictly in accordance with the law.
The petitioner's counsel argued that his client, Chairperson of UC 118 and affiliated with PTI, was arrested during a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad. During the arrest, co-accused Advocate Sheikh was also taken into custody.
The petitioner stated that she had identified herself as the wife of Faisal Mughal, but the accused Advocate Sheikh allegedly made a false claim that she was his wife. A case related to the protest is already registered at the Shams Colony police station in Islamabad.
The petitioner alleged that Advocate Sheikh had used his influence to have a false resolution passed by the Sindh High Court Bar Association Hyderabad, claiming she was his spouse. This, according to the petitioner, caused severe emotional distress, disrupted her marital life, and damaged her personal and professional reputation.
The petition also include grave accusations that on January 12, 2025, both accused invited her to a location in Unit No 6, Latifabad, where Advocate Sheikh allegedly attempted to rape and murder her. She reported the matter to police, received medical treatment, and obtained a medico-legal certificate. Despite this, police reportedly refused to register an FIR, allegedly due to the professional status of the accused as lawyers.
The petitioner also claimed to have filed formal complaints with the Sindh Bar Council, Sindh High Court Bar Association, and District Bar Association Hyderabad, but no disciplinary action had been taken. She also alleged ongoing threats and incidents of sexual abuse, claiming she had been manipulated into a contract marriage by Advocate Sheikh, who continues to intimidate her.
Supporting documents submitted to the court included medical certificates, police reports, and newspaper clippings. In compliance with the court's earlier directives, reports from the SP Complaint Cell and SHOs of B-Section and Hali Road police stations were submitted and made part of the record.
After examining the evidence, the court concluded that the petition merited consideration. The judge observed that as a woman holding an elected public office, the petitioner's request for legal recourse against members of her own political party on grounds of sexual harassment, threats, and misconduct must be addressed seriously.
The court also ordered the relevant SHOs and SSP Hyderabad to ensure legal protection for the petitioner.
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