'Amjad Shoaib Case: Suppressing Freedom Of Expression Is Against Constitution'

'Amjad Shoaib Case: Suppressing Freedom Of Expression Is Against Constitution'
The difference of opinion is a legitimate right and shouldn't be suppressed at any cost. One can disagree with Lt Gen (retd) Amjad Shoaib, but he cannot be silenced; his remand should be challenged in the high court, says legal expert Azhar Siddique.

On the elections, he told Khabar Say Aagay host Raza Rumi that all judges hearing the suo motu on the polling delay seem unanimous on the 90 days' clause.

According to journalist Saqib Bashir, this isn't the first time that Amjad Shoaib made strong remarks, but his arrest wasn't apparently desirable earlier.

Speaking about the SC hearing, he opined that the judges seemed to be of different opinions today.

Barrister Awais Babar seconded the opinion that the judges had different lines today. Nonetheless, if the top court doesn't observe caution in this scenario, this could result in a judicial crisis.

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He added that the military is in attempts to somehow establish order and the former lieutenant general 'crossed the line'.

Earlier today, a court in Islamabad approved three-day physical remand for Amjad Shoaib, who had been arrested on charges of inciting the public against national institutions.

According to sources, police took Shoaib into custody from his residence in the federal capital. They said that a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against the former army officer at Ramna police station yesterday evening as a result of his television interview.

Police sources say that the FIR was filed in accordance with Sections 153A and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

It added that the accused incited people to rebel against institutions and his remarks were 'intended to spread hatred among the government, opposition, and government employees, which is a pre-planned conspiracy to weaken the country'.

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