KARACHI: A sessions court on Monday dismissed an application filed by rights activist Dr Mahrang Baloch seeking registration of an FIR against “unknown police officials” for snatching her passport and mobile phone on Oct 8.

Dr Mahrang, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), had filed an application, through her counsel Daniyal Muhammad Hussain, under Sections 22-A and 22-B of the criminal procedure code before District and Sessions Judge (Malir) Zahoor Ahmed.

She sought directives for the registration of an FIR and recording a statement against “unknown police officials” who allegedly manhandled, assaulted her and her companion, and forcibly took her passport and mobile phone within the jurisdiction of the Airport police station.

On Monday, after hearing the applicant’s counsel and reviewing a report submitted by the SHO of the Airport police station, the court dismissed the application on the grounds that the matter was already pending before the Sindh High Court (SHC).

BYC leader claims law enforcers took away her passport, mobile phone on Oct 8 near Karachi airport

The court noted that the applicant’s counsel had been asked to submit certified copies of the constitutional petition filed in the SHC. It found that the applicant had approached the SHC regarding the same matter, seeking an inquiry and action against policemen allegedly involved in the illegal search and confiscation of her mobile phone and passport.

The court further stated in its order that the applicant disclosed before the SHC that her reason for filing the petition was that she had no alternative remedy for the recovery of her belongings.

In his response submitted before the court, the SHO stated that no such incident as mentioned in the application took place within the remit of the Airport police station.

In the application, counsel Daniyal submitted that on the day of the incident, his client was “unlawfully” barred from boarding a flight to New York. However, after leaving the airport, two vehicles intercepted her car, and she, along with her companions, was manhandled. He added that the police personnel assaulted them and snatched her mobile phone and passport.

He further submitted that his client went to the concerned police station to record her statement. However, the concerned SHO and DSP were not present there and then she sent her written application through courier.

He prayed before the courts to register an FIR against the “culprits” and assign an officer not below the rank of SSP as police officials were involved in the incident.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2024