IHC judge Sattar dismisses pleas of FIA, PEMRA and PTA in case of audio leaks

Judge Babar Sattar questions the public bodies on their authority and grievances to file recusal petitions against the audio leak case.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – Apr 29, 2024) Judge Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard the pleas of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and Pakistan Telecommunication dismissed Authority (PTA) regarding the objections raised against him in the audio leak case.

Judge Sattar also imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on each of the entities.

The court had to hear the applications of Bushra Bibi and Najam Saqib and saw the presence of Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and legal advisor Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan.

Addressing Aitzaz Ahsan, Judge Sattar noted that he would first hear the various requests.

Judge Sattar expressed concern over the FIA’s objections and questioned their authority, especially regarding the agency’s request to transfer the case to another court due to its alleged involvement in an earlier letter detailing the interference of intelligence services in judicial matters was discussed.

Justice Sattar delved into the concept of conflict of interest, especially in cases where judges might face pressure from the executive, before ultimately dismissing the FIA’s appeal petition and imposing a fine of Rs500,000, while also considering contempt of court proceedings against the FIA ​​Director General.

Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dogal clarified the FIA’s position, denying any link with the installation of hidden cameras in judges’ residences, but highlighting the role of the agency in the ongoing petition on the agency’s involvement.

Similarly, the court demanded an explanation from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) regarding the filing of their application and individually summoned the Joint Director General of the IB, with Justice Sattar questioning the approval process for IB’s observations.

Justice Sattar addressed Pemra’s objections and questioned the grounds for their appeal before dismissing all petitions from Pemra, PTA, FIA and IB, fining each entity Rs 500,000 and initiating contempt of court proceedings against the relevant authorities suggested.

The lawyers and representatives of the legal fraternity present in the court praised Justice Sattar’s determined stance, with Aitzaz Ahsan expressing pride over the Islamabad High Court’s decision.