Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has issued a written decision regarding petitions challenging the registration of multiple cases against Arshad Sharif and other journalists.
The court stated that the multiple FIRs (First Information Reports) filed against Arshad Sharif for a single allegation are not legally sustainable.
According to media, the decision addresses whether multiple cases can be filed across the country for the same allegation.
The written decision, authored by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani over 36 pages, was issued on pending petitions since May 2022.
The court’s decision highlights that Arshad Sharif faced unfair harassment from the authorities.
It should have been deemed appropriate to accept only one FIR for investigation against Sharif.
The state should have provided protection to the accused and allowed them the right to seek bail from the court.
The decision further notes that multiple FIRs filed against Arshad Sharif are not sustainable under the law. His family has suffered significant and irreparable damage.
The court also mentioned that the Protection of Journalists Act was enacted on December 1, 2021, to protect journalists. However, journalists still face unfair harassment.
Arshad Sharif’s family can approach the commission established under the Protection of Journalists Act.
The written decision states that the commission is legally responsible for investigating the harassment faced by Arshad Sharif and any threats to his life.
The commission addresses petitions related to cases filed against journalists.