ISLAMABAD: The PTI has challenged notices sent by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to its leadership over a controversial post on the official account of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Separately, a joint investigation team (JIT) from Lahore visited Adiala Jail to interrogate former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi regarding the May 9 violence cases registered against him.
The notices issued to PTI leaders Barrister Gohar, Secretary General Omar Ayub and spokesperson Raoof Hasan stated that an inquiry had been initiated regarding the “misuse” of Mr Khan’s verified X account on which “highly obnoxious and inciting content against state institutions” was shared.
The three PTI leaders were directed to appear in person before FIA Sub-Inspector Muhammad Monib Zafar at the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre to record statements.
“In case of non-appearance, proceedings [under section] 174 PPC will be initiated against you,” the notice said, referring to the Pakistan Penal Code Section, which carries a prison term of one month for wilful non-appearance after being summoned.
The post was “likely to cause fear or alarm in the public and may induce/provoke anyone to commit an offence against the state or state institution or public tranquility,” the FIA notice had said.
The post in question, shared on May 26, included a montage with a quote attributed to Mr Khan urging the nation to “study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission report” and understand “who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”.
The former ruling party has pleaded that the post aimed to “encourage national dialogue” and bring the country out of the ongoing crisis.It said the FIA deputy director was a complainant in the matter, and he accused Mr Khan and others of inciting armed forces’ personnel to mutiny.
The petition requested the court to set aside the notices and also restrain the FIA from harassing the PTI leadership.
The party has named the interior ministry, the FIA officer who launched the complaint and the investigation officer as respondents.Last week, an FIA team also went to the Adiala Jail to question the incarcerated PTI chief over the social media post. However, sources said the ex-PM had refused to meet the investigators, saying he would only meet them in the presence of his lawyer.
