IHC instructs FIA to consult PFUJ regarding actions against journalists.

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to consult the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for taking actions on complaints against journalists.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the matter of a campaign against the judiciary in the context of opening courts at night and alleged harassment of journalist Arshad Sharif by the FIA.

At the outset of hearing, the FIA adopted the stance that it was not harassing the journalist.

Arshad Sharif informed the court that ARY's Bureau Chief Sabir Shakir was abroad and there was a risk of his arrest on return.

To a query by the bench, FIA Director Cyber Crime Wing said currently there was no complaint pending against Sabir Shakir.

The chief justice asked Arshad Sharif whether he was satisfied on the answer. On this, former PFUJ president Afzal Butt said there was still the risk of Sabir's arrest and prayed the court to adjourn the hearing instead of disposing of the case.

The court directed that the FIA should also inform the media house of the journalist concerned if there was any complaint about him. Afzal Butt said if there was a complaint...