ISLAMABAD: Despite the directions of Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday again summoned journalist Taha Siddiqui for an ‘interrogation’.
Three days ago, the IHC had issued notices to the Ministry of Interior and FIA over harassing Siddiqui for allegadly maligning the Pakistan Army. The IHC had also directed the agency not to harass the applicant. However, Siddiqui has been summoned again by the FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing. “Non-compliance of this order is punishable under law. Therefore, your willful non-obedience of the order will render you liable for Criminal Proceedings U/S 174 of PPC,” a notice stated.
The journalist is a correspondent for Channel France 24 in Pakistan. “As a journalist, visiting my residence post work hours while I am not there and insisting on delivering this (order) to me without explaining why they want me to come to a counter terrorism investigation, the FIA, interior ministry and government is continuing to harass, intimidate and silence free speech and independent journalism,” he told Daily Times. However, he added that he had no idea for what purpose he had been summoned. He further said that he had no information regarding the contents of case FIR No 1/2017, which the FIA is investigating.
Siddiqui had already filed a petition in the IHC alleging the Counter Terrorism Wing of FIA for harassing him over the phone by summoning him for interrogation.
He had also requested the IHC to direct the Interior Ministry and FIA to desist from harassing citizens simply because they have expressed a view or are carrying out their professional duties.
Issuing notices, the IHC had sought replies from the ministry, FIA DG and deputy director and adjourned the hearing until May 29.
