Karachi (HRNW): A constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has issued notices to the respondents on a petition filed by Arbab Bheel, seeking the quashing of criminal cases registered against him and an order restraining authorities from registering any new cases without prior permission of the court.
The court directed the respondents to submit their replies at the next hearing.
In his petition, Arbab Bheel alleged that while he was detained in Central Jail Hyderabad, the police maliciously registered false cases against him. He claimed that fabricated FIRs were lodged by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police stations in Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Qasimabad, Kakar, and Mirpur Bathoro.
The petitioner further alleged that he and his family were being subjected to political victimization and retaliatory actions. According to the petition, law enforcement agencies were acting under the influence of the ruling party and influential individuals.
The petition also contends that serious constitutional and legal violations have occurred and that criminal cases are being used to suppress civil society voices. It alleges that provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), as well as charges relating to sedition and treason, have been misapplied.
Arbab Bheel maintained that the cases were intended to harass and defame him because of his public and social role. He further argued that the FIRs lack documentary evidence, eyewitness testimony, or forensic links, and requested the court to declare them void.
The petitioner also requested that no new criminal case be registered against him without prior permission of the court and sought the appointment of an honest police officer of SSP rank to conduct a transparent investigation into the cases.
The petition names the Secretary Home, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh, Additional Inspector General (AIG) CTD, and the SSPs of the relevant districts as respondents.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on court proceedings and the contents of the petition filed before the Sindh High Court. The allegations contained in the petition represent the petitioner’s claims and have not been adjudicated by the court. The respondents will have the opportunity to present their replies during the legal proceedings.
