MULTAN: A judicial magistrate on Saturday recused herself from hearing the case of an activist of a non-government organisation who was produced before her in a case lodged under the Prevention of Anti-National Activities Act 1974.

Magistrate Komal Tabbasam refused to give any direction to the police despite the complainant informed her that he wanted to withdraw the case as it was lodged due to a misunderstanding.

The magistrate directed the police to put the case before any competent forum as it does not fall under her jurisdiction.

As per details, District Officer (Cooperatives) Arshad Husain lodged a complaint against four activists of Awaz Foundation including its CEO Ziaur Rehman, Imran Zahoor, Muhammad Mehmood and Kashif, alleging that the suspects were instigating the people against the state while making bogus documents and conducting the (shadow) election of local government that could only be conducted by the Election Commission.

Makhdoom Rasheed police conducted a raid at the place where the elections were being conducted and arrested Imran Zahoor, Muhammad Mehmood and Kashif.

The FIR No11/15 was lodged on Jan 9 under sections 420, 468 and 471 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 13 of the Prevention of Anti-National Activities Act 1974.

On Jan 10, the suspects were presented before the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Jalil Ahmed who sent them on one-day judicial remand and granted pre-arrest bail to Zia. Later a local court granted bail to the arrested suspects also.

An additional district and sessions judge on Friday rejected another pre-arrest bail of Zia who was arrested.

Police presented Zia before the area magistrate for further direction. The magistrate refused to give any direction to police saying she cannot hear the case as it does not fall under her jurisdiction.

Complainant Arshad Husain also appeared before the magistrate and informed her that the case was lodged due to a misunderstanding and he wanted to withdraw it.

The Makhdoom Rasheed SHO said he had no other option except to release the suspect and a final decision would be taken with the consultation of high-ups.He said police would be able to produce the suspect before any other court on Monday (tomorrow).

Talking to Dawn, Zia said the FIR lodged against them was the result of a misunderstanding as they already engaged the provincial and district governments in the project.

“Uran Project is for the youth to make them responsible citizens so that they can play a positive role in society,” he said.

Zia said the governor and secretary local government were also briefed about the project.

Published in Dawn February 8th , 2015

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