ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court on Friday returned the petition of ex-president PFUJ for initiating high treason case against President Move on Pakistan (MoP), Chief AML Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and TV anchor for persuading army chief for coup.

Assistant Registrar Supreme Court raised objections that the petition prima facie appears to be a frivolous within the contemplation of Order XVII Rule 5 of the Supreme Court Rules 1980.

It further said that the petitioner has not approached any other appropriate forum available to him under the law for the same relief and has also not provided any justification for not doing so. It further objected that the petitioner has not provided the certificate as required under Rule 6 of Supreme Court Rules.

Former president Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist Afzal Butt on July 15 had filed a constitutional petition under Article 184 (3) of the constitution and made Law Ministry, Interior Ministry, President Move on Pakistan Muhammad Kamran, Awami Muslim League head Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and two TV anchors namely Dr Danish and Zahid Farooq Malik as respondents.

Afzal Butt had filed an application through advocate Ikram Chaudhry, which said that certain political and social elements have been trying to spread rumours of military rule in Pakistan and using media and other forum for instigating, abetting and conspiring for weakening the legal and constitutional process in the country.

“The campaign has geared up by the respondents No 3, 4, 5 and many others through media and affixing posters asking army chief to take over as saviour despite the fact that General Raheel Sharif has publically announced his retirement in time,” it added.

The petitioner also stated that posters and banners have also been displayed in different cities, wherein army chief has been asked to come to the aid of so-called well wishers.

The applicant expressed apprehension that constant campaign by certain people, including respondents is alarming, which is also the source of uncertainty in the country. It is contended that the acts of respondents are not only causing damage to the country but also to abet and abrogate the constitution.

The applicant believes that the respondents have ulterior motive to gain political power and other benefits and they have not learnt lesson from the past, adding that the last military rule played hell with institutions.

It is further submitted that TV anchor Dr Danish was already fined by the PEMRA for propping invitation to the army chief for military rule.

The petitioner stated that respondents are in direct violation of Articles 5, 6 along with 4, 5, 9 10, 17 19, 25, 175 and 203 of the constitution, therefore, the federal government should initiate high treason proceedings against them. The constitution was always abrogated and different versions were adopted to overthrow civilian regimes. The net result of all military regimes was further deterioration in different areas of national life and institutions. History of Pakistan to this day speaks enough about all sundry.