ISLAMABAD. The Islamabad High Court has sought a report from the federal capital police’s inspector general on the apparent torture during the arrest of media personality Mohsin Baig.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah was hearing an appeal, which sought dismissal of cases – including Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 and terrorism charges – against Baig.

Baig, who is the Daily Jinnah and Online news agency editor, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency’s cybercrime wing and police after a raid on his house in Islamabad. A heavy contingent of police surrounded the journalist’s home in the morning and took Baig away as seen in videos widely circulated on social media. It also showed the media personality pointed a gun at an official while grabbing another one from the other hand.

According to Baig’s spokesperson, during the raid, bitter words were exchanged between the journalists and FIA officials as well as the police as Baig asked for his arrest warrant. At the time, the spokesperson claimed that officials did not have any warrants and no case had been registered against the journalist.

According to the FIA, the media personality was held on Communications Minister Murad Saeed complaint after the former made “unethical” remarks about the minister in a television programme. The video, which was also condemned by many journalists, led the news channel to go off the air. However, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority denied giving any such orders.

In related news, minister Saeed on Thursday said he had no say in how the FIA proceeded upon his complaint. The minister added he only acted in accordance with the law.

In addition to this, Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to file a complaint against an additional session judge in Islamabad for “going beyond his mandate” in passing a judgement apparently favouring Baig.

During the case proceedings on Friday, Petitioner’s lawyer Latif Khosa said it was “very unfortunate” that the prime minister got involved in the prevailing matter. He added that decision has been taken to take action against the judge of this court.

IHC CJ Minallah remarked: “You have already filed a petition seeking dismissal of the FIR. Except the accused, no one can file a petition pertaining to the dismissal of the case.” The judge said that the petitioner can amend the application and file it.

“The case cannot be dismissed on any third person’s application. We don’t know whether the accused wants to dismiss the case or not,” he said.

The lawyer contended that until yesterday, they were not allowed to meet his client, adding: “Mohsin Baig was severely tortured in the jail.” Baig’s lawyer Khosa said that the bailiff, who was sent by the court, was not allowed to enter the jail. “Around 10-15 people in the SHO’s room beat him [Mohsin Baig].”

On this, the court sought a report on the complaint pertaining to torture on Mohsin Baig in the jail.

IHC CJ Minallah directed the Islamabad IG to submit a report on the apparent torture during the arrest of media personality Mohsin Baig till Monday and adjourned the hearing of the case till February 21.

Discussion on talk show

Journalist Gharida Farooqi in a section of her talk show on the TV channel G for Gharidah on February 11 discussed the performance of Federal Minister for Communications Murad Saeed after awards were given to top performing ministries on February 10. Saeed's ministry came on top.

Shortly after PTI unleashed its anger on social media and the hashtag #GforGhatya was one of the trop trends on Twitter.