ISLAMABAD: Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan of the PML-N got registered a case against Sher Afzal Marwat Advocate at the Aabpara police station on the charges of assault and criminal intimidation, the police said on Saturday.

After the registration of the case, the police, however, sealed the FIR. A police officer told Dawn that there was no law empowering police to seal an FIR. However, FIRs are sealed only on the verbal orders of senior officers who want to delay initiation of the legal action, he added.

According to section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the police are bound to register a first information report (FIR) based on the original complaint and reproduce it on the FIR.

Earlier, the senator lodged a complaint with Aabpara police on his official letterhead “for filing an FIR and seeking legal action.”

In his complaint, he requested for immediate filing of an FIR against a member of PTI’s legal team, Sher Afzal Marwat, “in connection with a disturbing incident on September 27.”

During a talk-show hosted by Javed Chaudhry at Express News’ Islamabad studio, the complainant said, “Mr Marwat physically assaulted him, slapping him three times and beating him while he was nearly unconscious on the floor,” it added.

The FIR added that the complainant received medical treatment for his injuries, including facial swelling and bruises on his head, adding “this act of violence against a sitting senator is unacceptable.”

He urged the police to promptly initiate an investigation, register an FIR against Mr Marwat and take necessary legal actions.

“I am ready to cooperate fully with the investigation to ensure justice is served,” he added.

In response to the complaint, the Aabpara police registered a case against the advocate under section 352 (punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation) and 506 (ii) (criminal intimidation).

According to the FIR, the senator was invited to the TV channel’s Kal Tak with Javed Chaudhry programme on September 27 at 9:30pm. Member of the PTI core committee, Sher Afzal Marwat was also invited to the programme to discuss current political situation.

During a heated debate, Mr Marwat suddenly attacked the senator and tried to hit him besides threatening him, the FIR said, adding the footage of the incident was available with the TV channel and may be obtained as evidence.

“In view of the above stated incident, it is necessary to register an FIR immediately against Mr Marwat and take action against him according to the law,” the complainant added.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2023