LAHORE: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), challenging an order by a sessions court to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to lodge a case against him under the cybercrime law on a complaint from a woman.

In a petition, the cricketer contended through a counsel that the impugned order passed by an additional district and sessions judge was against the law. He asked the high court to set aside the order. The lower court had issued the impugned order on a plaint of Hamiza Mukhtar accusing Babar and others of hurling 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.

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.

Since, regular inquiry has been commenced with respect to the complaint of the petitioner, thus 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 the sessions court in the order.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2021