Islamabad (Staff Report): An anti terrorism court on Thursday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for a female anchor, who had conducted a controversial interview of former senator Faisalabad Raza Abidi.
While hearing a case pertaining to anti-judiciary remarks given by Abidi during an interview on a web-based television channel, the court ordered the authorities to arrest Shanzay Rahman and produce her in court on November 20.
An investigation officer informed the court that the accused belongs to Karachi and search is underway to arrest her, adding that her cell phones are also switched off.
On October 10, Abidi was arrested by the Secretariat police after he appeared before the Supreme Court in 'derogatory' remarks case.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Azmat Saeed Khosa heard the case against Abidi.
The former senator appeared before the court as he was summoned over his derogatory remarks against judiciary.
During the hearing, Abidi requested the court to adjourn the case till his lawyer returned from Umrah or grant him time to hire a new counsel. Approving Abidi's request, the bench adjourned the hearing till October 30 and issued a notice to the attorney general in this regard.
However, following his appearance when Abidi was crossing Constitution Avenue, he was arrested.
On Sept 21, a case was registered in the Secretariat Police Station under Pakistan Penal Code's sections 228, 500, 505(ii) and 34 along with Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
On September 28, Sindh government gave permission to Islamabad police for arresting Abdi.
Speaking to the media following Abidi's arrest, his brother said this was injustice as he appeared before the SC bench and had been granted bail earlier in the case.
Abidi's brother added that there were three cases ongoing against the former senator which pertain to cyber-crime, contempt and another registered in the secretariat police station.