GUJRANWALA: A local court has issued notices to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Civil Lines police station in a petition seeking the registration of a criminal case over the politician’s remarks about institution.
The petition, filed by advocate Manzoor Qadir Bhinder, requests the court to direct police to register a case against Fazlur Rehman over what it describes as a controversial speech.
Additional Sessions Judge Faisal Jameel issued notices to both the SHO and Fazlur Rehman, directing them to appear on July 28. The court also ordered police to submit a report on the matter at the next hearing.
The petition follows widespread criticism of Fazlur Rehman’s recent remarks, which prompted reactions from several political and religious leaders.
Among those criticizing the comments were Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Separately, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Allama Tahir Ashrafi condemned the remarks and expressed regret to the families of military personnel, saying the statement regarding the country’s fallen soldiers was inappropriate.
The court proceedings relate to the petition seeking registration of a case and do not constitute a determination of criminal liability.