Latest news with #ArshadAli
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC questions FIR in PECA case
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued notices to the federal government and other relevant authorities, seeking a response regarding the registration of an FIR against a local lawyer under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Abdul Fayyaz heard the case. During the proceedings, Justice Syed Arshad Ali questioned the legal basis of the FIR, remarking, "How can the police register a case under the PECA Act when it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)? How can an SHO file such a case?" The petitioner, Advocate Roman Shah, appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali asked him why the FIR had been registered. Shah responded that he was unaware of the specific allegations and only knew that it had been filed under PECA. Justice Abdul Fayyaz noted, "The PECA Act falls within FIA's domain. How did the SHO register the FIR?" Justice Arshad Ali further added, "If the matter is within FIA's jurisdiction, then the SHO has no authority to register such a case." The petitioner informed the court that he had already secured interim bail. The Assistant Attorney General told the bench that the FIR was based on a social media post made from the petitioner's account, allegedly targeting a senior official of a security agency. Justice Arshad Ali questioned the petitioner's actions, asking, "Why do you share such content that creates problems?" In response, Advocate Roman Shah denied ownership of the account, stating, "This is not my account. Nowadays, fake accounts are created using other people's photos. I have no knowledge of this post." Following the hearing, the court issued notices to the federal government and other respondents, directing them to submit their replies.
Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC questions DC's TikTok activity
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought a response from the Director of the Performance Management and Reforms Unit (PMRU) over a petition challenging the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Swabi's act of sharing a video from an event at Women University Swabi on social media platform TikTok. A division bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal heard the petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Hamdan on Thursday. The petitioner informed the court that the DC attended multiple events, recorded videos, and shared them on his personal TikTok account instead of an official government platform. He argued that while the government permits the use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter for official communication, the use of TikTok by public officials is unauthorized and raises serious privacy concerns — particularly when such content features individuals without their consent. Justice Arshad Ali inquired where the TikTok video was filmed. The court was told that the DC recorded the video during a ceremony at Women University Swabi and uploaded it from his personal account. The video included footage of female students, allegedly shared without their permission. Advocate Hamdan further argued that public officials are only permitted to share content through official government websites or verified accounts. At this point, Justice Arshad Ali questioned whether any departmental representative was present, to which the Additional Advocate General responded that none were in attendance. Expressing concern, Justice Arshad Ali remarked, "What is going on here? These officers have created pages for self-promotion. This isn't for official useit's personal branding on social media." Following a brief recess, the Deputy Director of PMRU appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali asked him whether PMRU had issued any notification allowing such social media accounts and questioned the basis upon which every officer had started their own pages and was sharing all kinds of content. The court directed PMRU to frame clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and submit a detailed report within 10 days. Justice Arshad Ali also cited a recent case where a District Police Officer used inappropriate language regarding civil judges on social media, emphasizing the need for regulation. "The purpose of these accounts should be strictly official," he stressed. "We are monitoring everything. Videos featuring university students should not be shared online." The hearing was adjourned until July 10, with clear instructions for PMRU to submit its report before the next session.
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC seeks replies on Kurram unrest
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought responses from the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) regarding a petition highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in Kurram district. During a hearing on the petition, a bench comprising Justice Arshad Ali and Justice Waqar Ahmad was informed by the petitioner's counsel, Advocate Ali Azim Afridi, that the situation in Kurram remains tense. He stated that peace has yet to be restored in the area and that internet and mobile services are still virtually unavailable. The court noted that despite a previous order seeking a government response, no reply had been submitted. Justice Arshad Ali inquired about which parties had failed to respond. Advocate Afridi informed the court that both the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) had not yet submitted their replies. The court gave the concerned officials 14 days to submit their responses and adjourned further proceedings on the petition. In a separate case, the PHC has issued notices to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council and the Pakistan Bar Council in response to a petition seeking an audit of the K-P Bar Council's funds. The same bench — Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Waqar Ahmad — heard the petition. The petitioner's counsel argued that the audit should be conducted by a chartered accountant, as mandated under Section 18 of the Pakistan Bar Council Act. He also requested that copies of the audit report be provided to all practicing lawyers. The Assistant Attorney General recommended that it would be appropriate to issue notices to both bar councils. Accepting this suggestion, the court issued the notices and adjourned the hearing. Meanwhile, a special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has issued bailable arrest warrants for three senior officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for failing to comply with court orders. The warrants were issued by ATC Judge Muhammad Iqbal Khan after the officers — AIG CTD, SP CTD, and Inspector Iftikhar Khan — failed to appear in court during proceedings initiated under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The court noted that despite multiple notices, the three officers failed to produce records in terrorism case No 63. Their repeated non-compliance prompted the court to begin legal proceedings under Section 174 CrPC. Subsequently, bailable arrest warrants were issued, and senior police officials were directed to ensure the officers' appearance at the next hearing. The hearing has been adjourned until June 14. In a separate development, the Peshawar ATC ordered the release of a suspect allegedly linked to a banned organization. The suspect was granted bail following legal arguments presented by his counsel, Advocate Khizar Hayat Khazana. According to the prosecution, the accused, Qari Imran, was arrested by CTD during an operation and was alleged to have promoted the ideology of a proscribed outfit, encouraging others to join. After reviewing the arguments, the court approved his bail request and ordered his release.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Border dists work without full-time SPs as govt delays decision on IPS transfers
Jaipur: The state govt Thursday assigned the responsibilities of Hanumangarh and Jhunjhunu SPs to their respective additional SPs after the original incumbents, IPS officers posted as SPs, Arshad Ali and Sharad Choudhary, respectively, were removed and placed under awaiting posting orders. The vacant SP position in Hanumangarh, situated near the Pakistan border during current tensions, has led to concerns within the police dept. The situation also suggests potential delays in the anticipated IPS transfer list. At least six districts, including Sriganganagar, continue to have DIGs working as SPs despite their promotions, even as the state govt has not released a new transfer list. In Hanumangarh, the absence of a full-time SP comes at a sensitive time. The district's proximity to the international border places it under regular strategic scrutiny, and senior police officials acknowledge that a permanent appointment would ensure stronger operational leadership. Six officers were promoted to DIG rank on Dec 31 but continued to serve as SPs. These officers include Anand Sharma (Jaipur Rural), Gaurav Yadav (Sriganganagar), Bhushan Bhuvan Yadav (Sikar), Sharad Choudhary (Jhunjhunu), Rajan Dushyant (Kotputli Behror), and Arshad Ali (Hanumangarh). With the SPs of Hanumangarh and Jhunjhunu now under APO, the gap in leadership is being managed through temporary arrangements.
The Print
23-04-2025
- The Print
IMFL worth Rs 1 crore seized in Rajasthan, 2 held
Jaipur, Apr 23 (PTI) Two smugglers were arrested and a truck loaded with illicit liquor worth Rs 1 crore was seized in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district, police said on Wednesday. Hanumangarh SP Arshad Ali said Ashok Kumar Vishnoi (28) and Omprakash Vishnoi (25), both residents of Jalore, were arrested after a truck with Gujarat number plate and a car escorting it were stopped and searched on Bharatmala Road. A total of 546 boxes of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufactured in Punjab were found hidden during the search of the truck, he said.
