LAHORE: A sessions court has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to lodge a case against Pakistan captain Babar Azam and others under the cybercrime law on a complaint of a woman.

The FIA in its report filed with the court said the cricketer did not appear before the investigating officer, however, his elder brother appeared and sought time on behalf of his younger brother for recording of statement.

Hamiza Mukhtar had alleged that Babar and others gave her life threats in whatsapp messages through different mobile numbers. The woman said she had been facing continuous blackmailing that the suspects would upload her fake pictures on social media if she did not accept their demands.

She said the cybercrime wing of the FIA completed its inquiry on her complaint. She asked the court to order the FIA to register a criminal case against the suspects.

“Since, regular inquiry has been commenced with respect to the complaint of the petitioner. the respondent (FIA) is directed to proceed further with respect to registration of FIR against the culprits within the stipulated time after committing legal formalities,” said Additional District and Sessions Judge Hamid Hussain in his order.

The woman previously leveled serious allegations and accused Babar of deceitfully maintaining sexual relations and making false promises of marriage to her. She also alleged that she got pregnant in 2015 with Babar’s baby but was forced to go through abortion. Later both reportedly reached a reconciliation.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2021