ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday rejected a post-arrest bail plea of former senator Faisal Raza Abidi in a case related to defaming Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar.

Judge Shahrukh Arju­mand directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit the final challan by Nov 20 and adjourned the proceedings.

The FIA had booked Mr Abidi under sections 109 and 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and sections 10(a), 11 and 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.

Mr Abidi’s counsel argued that the CJP never lodged a complaint that his client had threatened any member of the judiciary.

According to the FIR, the accused with criminal intent and ulterior motives and without any lawful justification used sarcastic, derogatory, disrespectful and defamatory language against the chief justice during a TV show.

It says that the language used by the accused is tantamount to creating a sense of fear, panic and insecurity among the government, general public and society.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2018