BHC orders to quash all cases registered against Senator Azam Khan Swati in province; also directs to release him

QUETTA, Dec 09 (SABAH): Senior most judge of Balochistan High Court (BHC) Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar on Friday ordered quashing of all cases registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Senator and former federal minister Muhammad Azam Khan Swati in the province over controversial statements against the State institutions. The court also ordered police to release him.

Five cases were registered against Swati in different areas of Balochistan. His lawyers knocked the doors of BHC against registration of cases against Azam Swati.

While hearing the case, Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar directed to quash all cases registered against Azam Swati in province and also directed to release him.

During the hearing of the case, Azam Swati’s lawyer Naseebullah Tareen, Advocate Iqbal Shah and SSP Investigation Asad Nasir appeared before the court. While reprimanding the police, the court observed how police can register more than one case.

Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar maintained is this point was in knowledge of inspector general Balochistan as he also worked as barrister. While reprimanding SSP investigation he remarked no first information report (FIR) was registered against him in Punjab while five FIRs were registered in Balochistan in far-flung areas out of Quetta city. He further stated, “If you wished to demean Azam Swati, one FIR could be registered as it was needless to register five FIRs against him.”

Justice Hashim Khan Kakar asked who gave magistrate the authority to give remand and added, “neither this remand had to be given neither this show would have to be held in the court. What is happening in Balochistan?” Whereas during the hearing investigation officer pleaded the court to grant further eight-day physical remand.

To this the court asked why there was need of granting further eight-day physical remand. Investigation officer of the police replied they have to recover Azam Swati’s mobile. To this Justice Kakar remarked, “Can you take anyone’s private mobile phone. Swati said what he wanted to. His tweet is before everyone. His account is verified one. Is there any investigation left?”