Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday adjourned hearing of a case regarding upload of sacrilegious material on social medial till March 27.

The bench observed that the court would decide that whether the Facebook should be banned or not in Pakistan on next hearing. Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of IHC heard the case filed by a citizen.

During the proceeding, Secretary Interior Ministry, Information Technology, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) appeared before the court.

The court directed the PTA to present a fresh report regarding the measures taken to stop the practice in social media.

DG FIA apprised the bench that inquiry regarding the uploading blasphemous material had been completed and a first information report (FIR) had also been registered. One suspected had been arrested and his laptop had been sent for forensic test. He said that three other suspects are under observation of the department, saying that the names of a few people had been included in Exit Control List (ECL).

DG FIA said that the department was in contact with the Facebook administration, who had ensured to fully cooperate in this matter.

Justice Siddiqui remarked that the administration should be given the required time but till that time the there was need to ban Facebook in the country.

The bench observed that the court would decided the matter that whether the Facebook would be banned or not on next hearing.

The court adjourned the case until March 27. Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday adjourned hearing of a case regarding promotions of senior bureaucrats until April 5.

Justice Aamir Farooq of IHC heard the case filed by the officers who couldn’t get promotions in CSB meeting.

The counsel for the petitioner Barrister Masroor and Additional Attorney General appeared before the court during the proceeding.

AAG prayed the court to grant two week time to submit detailed reply comprising the method of promotions and affect of over riding in the case.

Justice Farooq remarked that it was a small memorandum that could be prepared within one hour. The court asked that what method was adopted for promotions and what was the current situation after the judgment of Supreme Court.

On which, AAG requested for two week time. However, the bench adjourned hearing of the case until April 5.

It may be mentioned here that the officers of various groups had challenged the CSB meetings’ decision in IHC under which they couldn’t be promoted.