Karachi (HRNW): The Sindh High Court heard a petition filed by Barrister Ali Tahir, challenging the police decision to declare him a proclaimed absconder in a terrorism-related case linked to a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi.
During the hearing, the court directed that no coercive action be taken against the petitioner until the next hearing and summoned the Investigating Officer (IO) to appear before the court.
Barrister Ali Tahir informed the court that the police had declared him an absconder in connection with the protest case despite an earlier court order restraining his arrest.
The court observed that it had previously granted protection against his arrest. In response, the petitioner submitted that although he had been protected from arrest, the police subsequently declared him an absconder in the same case.
The petitioner further argued that being declared a proclaimed offender or absconder could lead to serious legal consequences, including the blocking of his national identity card (CNIC) or the placement of his name on the Exit Control List (ECL), potentially affecting his constitutional and fundamental rights.
Barrister Ali Tahir also contended that he was being subjected to retaliation because of his legal representation in cases involving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He maintained that he was not present at the protest site on the day of the alleged incident and described the proceedings against him as malicious and intended to harass him.
The petitioner requested the court to quash the FIR and halt what he described as unlawful harassment.
Legal experts note that every accused person is entitled to due process, a fair trial, and the protection of fundamental rights under the Constitution. Allegations in criminal proceedings can only be determined through judicial examination of evidence and applicable law.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on court proceedings and the submissions made before the Sindh High Court. The allegations and claims presented by the petitioner have not been judicially determined. All parties have the right to present their case before the competent court. HRNW remains committed to impartial, accurate, and responsible reporting.
