A sessions court in Gujranwala has summoned Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on July 28 after accepting for hearing a petition seeking legal action over his alleged controversial remarks against Pakistan's national security institutions.
The petition was filed by senior lawyer Manzoor Qadir Bhinder, who named Maulana Fazlur, the National Assembly secretary, and the Civil Lines SHO as respondents.
The petitioner argued that the JUI-F chief made controversial statements against Pakistan's national security institutions, claiming the remarks hurt the sentiments of 250 million Pakistanis and calling for legal action under the relevant laws.
After reviewing the petition, Additional Sessions Judge Faisal Jamil accepted it for hearing and summoned Maulana Fazlur Rehman to appear before the court on July 28.
The court also directed the police to submit a report regarding the matter before the next hearing.
Petitioner calls Pakistan Army respected institution
According to the petition, the Pakistan Army is described as a brave, organized, patriotic and highly skilled institution that enjoys the respect of the public.
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The petitioner maintained that the alleged remarks by the JUI-F chief caused widespread public outrage and requested the court to order the registration of a criminal case against him.
Separate Lahore case
Meanwhile, a separate petition seeking the registration of a case against Maulana Fazl was heard in the Lahore Sessions Court over his alleged controversial speech regarding martyrs.
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The petition was filed by citizen Muhammad Waqar, whose lawyer, Mudassar Chaudhry, argued before the court that a speech allegedly broadcast on social media had hurt the sentiments of the public as well as the families of martyrs.
Additional Sessions Judge Malik Latif heard the case and sought a response from the director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and other relevant authorities.
The petitioner alleged that Maulana Fazlur Rehman made derogatory remarks against martyrs during a public gathering, adding that the comments deeply hurt both the public and the families of those who lost their lives in service of the country.
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The petitioner requested the court to direct the authorities to register a case against the JUI-F chief.
Hearing adjourned until Aug 17
After initial proceedings, the Lahore sessions court adjourned the hearing until August 17, directing the concerned authorities to submit their responses before the next hearing.
With cases now pending in both Gujranwala and Lahore, the courts are expected to examine the petitions and responses from the relevant authorities before deciding on the requests for legal action.
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