PHC directs PTI MNA to approach relevant forum

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday disposed of the petition of Member National Assembly Shehryar Afridi and directed him to approach the relevant forum within two weeks regarding the 2022 case.

The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Abdul Fayyaz where lawyer Moazzam Butt appeared for the petitioner while Assistant Attorney General Ishaq Khalil and Assistant Advocate General Muhammad Javed represented the federal and the provincial governments, respectively.

During the hearing, the court asked the AAG about the report submitted. The court was informed that a total of nine FIRs had been registered against Shehryar Afridi and that one inquiry was currently being conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency.

At this, Justice Sahibzada Asadullah questioned, “Earlier you stated there were eight FIRs - where did this new FIR come from?” He further criticized, “You people keep the FIRs to yourselves and reveal them later. If this information had been provided on time, he wouldn’t have been dragged into a second round. You seek time when asked for answers and still don’t submit complete reports.”

Advocate Moazzam Butt informed the court that his client was being constantly harassed, and it was necessary for the high court to issue a comprehensive judgment clarifying under what circumstances a citizen can be arrested.

In response, Justice Sahibzada Asadullah remarked, “The dignity and freedom of all citizens are protected under the Constitution - there is no room for ambiguity. Everything is clearly outlined in the Constitution.”

The petitioner’s lawyer also said that they were willing to submit an affidavit to the court declaring that Afridi would appear whenever summoned, provided he was informed of the charges.Justice Sahibzada Asadullah reiterated, “Everything is defined in the Constitution and law - it now depends on the institutions as to how much they abide by it.”