Damaging company’s reputation: Court reissues non-bailable arrest warrants for accused

LAHORE: A local court Wednesday once again issued non-bailable arrest warrant for Qayyum Hafeez, the accused in a case involving dissemination of false and defamatory content against a well-known ice cream brand operating in Pakistan.

The fresh warrant was issued due to the accused’s continued failure to appear before the court despite earlier court orders.

Judicial Magistrate Naeem Bakhsh directed the police to ensure Hafeez’s arrest and his production before the court on September 23.

The court also ordered the confiscation of surety bonds and dismissed the previous applications filed on behalf of the accused, including one seeking condonation of absence.

The case, initiated by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), stems from a 2022 charge sheet filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. Hafeez is accused of sending malicious and false emails targeting the company, causing serious reputational and financial damage.

The company maintains that Hafeez was terminated on grounds of corruption and serious misconduct, including forgery of attendance records using falsified signatures and fingerprints.

Statements from the FIA officials, company representatives, and key witnesses have already been recorded, with all evidence pointing to intentional wrongdoing by the accused.