ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) has filed a petition in a local court on Monday to register an FIR against Prime Minister Nawaz Shrarif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique for using the state machinery and power against the “peaceful marchers” who were going to the PM House on August 30.
On this, District and Sessions Judge of Islamabad Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan issued a notice to the SHO Secretariat Police.
The petition was moved by Ahmed Yar Gondal Advocate, Vice President PAT Islamabad.
It may be mentioned here that after the August 30 incident, at least 13 cases were registered in different police stations of Islamabad against the leadership of PAT and PTI. In these cases the police booked PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT leader Dr Tahirul Qadri as well as other leaders of both the parties under sections of 7ATA (anti-terrorism act), PPCs 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 342 (wrongful confinement), 341 (punishment for wrongful confinement), 452 (trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 427 (damage to the amount of fifty rupees), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object).
However, in the present petition, PAT Vice President Gondal contended that the prime minister and his above-mentioned members of federal cabinet and the Chief Minister Punjab were responsible for the ‘assault’ on the ‘peaceful protestors’ on August 30 which resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to hundred of protestors.
The petition said that after the incident, the matter was reported to the SHO Secretariat but he did not register the FIR.
The petition further said that the processions were carried out to agitate against the Model Town massacre and for the acceptance of other legitimate demands.
It said that prior to the commencement of processions the government had promulgated Article 245 of the Constitution wherein the Army was called and practically deputed for the protection of important buildings and institutions.
The petition maintained that the August 30 action was carried out by the above stated individuals while heads of different institutions declined and refused to undertake operation against the protestors without the written order.
It pointed out that the Model Town incident in which 14 PAT workers were killed was registered after an Additional District and Sessions Judge of Lahore passed an order for registration of the case and the Lahore High Court (LHC) upheld the said order.
The petition said the court that the police authorities were bound to register FIR against the Prime Minister and his aides regardless of their status.
The court directed the SHO Secretariat to file the reply to the said petition and adjourned further hearing till September 10.