PHC restrains FIA from action against PTI’s Shandana Gulzar

 PESHAWAR, Mar 18 (INP): The Peshawar High Court has stopped the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from taking any action against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) member Shandana Gulzar.

This decision comes in response to a case against Gulzar of alleged campaigning against state institutions.

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During the court proceedings, the additional attorney general raised objections to the jurisdiction of the petition, questioning the authority of the FIA Lahore to conduct an inquiry against a resident of another province. “The notice was issued to her from Lahore,” he argued.

Justice Waqar Ahmed echoed this concern, asking whether the FIA’s jurisdiction was limited to Lahore and not extended to other regions. “How does FIA Lahore conduct an inquiry against a resident of this province?” he asked.

The judge further asked if the FIA only had an office in Lahore and no other location.

Justice Syed Arshad Ali questioned what violations the suspect has committed. In response, the additional attorney general cited alleged statements made against national institutions as the basis for potential action.

However, Justice Ali requested detailed information regarding the nature of these violations.

The parties involved were instructed to provide comprehensive explanations, and the court adjourned the hearing until March 25.

On March 9, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing in Lahore issued notice to Shandana Gulzar summoning her on March 14 for questioning.

The summons come in response to allegations against her for making derogatory remarks against state and government figures, as well as inciting people to revolt through her social media posts.

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Specifically, she was accused of implicating Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in an audio leak scandal. In the alleged audio recording, references were made to a deceased PTI worker, Zille Shah.

The accusations against Shandana Gulzar were brought forward by Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) activist Shoaib Mirza, who filed an application against her, alleging her involvement in defamatory activities against government officials and institutions. – INP