Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) while seeking assistance from FIA on the law related to off loading and stopping the citizens has directed tell the court about law and not SOPs.
These directives were issued by IHC Thursday.
The court expressed resentment over making SOPs by FIA on off loading the citizens on its own.
Justice Inam Minhas of IHC took up for hearing the petition filed by the citizen Sajid Thursday.
On being summoned FIA Additional Director Zunaira and deputy director Afzal Niazi appeared in the court.
FIA presented a letter of 1975 in the court during the hearing of the case.
The court remarked there is nothing as such in this letter that you could off load the citizens.
FIA took the plea such steps are taken under SOPs.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas remarked SOP is not law and we have to implement law. SOP is not law. The basic rights cannot be abolished by changing the law on one's own.
He said this way every institution will start working on SOPs instead of law. You are one agency of Pakistan wearing uniform but apparently you are working against law.
Deputy Director FIA Afzal Niazi said 45850 persons have come to Pakistan following their deportation. 39095 persons had gone out of Pakistan on visit visa. They have not returned to Pakistan. Over 1100 persons are involved in begging abroad.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas inquired these people had gone abroad after having been cleared by you. If you have not legal powers then you could recommend for making law.
He said have you powers to off load any citizen on the ground that he will do such work in other country. If these SOPs are so much important then go for making amendment for them. If FIA start working on SOPs then all institutions will do so. Then what about basic rights. What job of you and courts will be left.
The court while seeking assistance from FIA on the law regarding off loading and stopping citizens on next hearing directed tell the court about law and not SOPs and come well prepared.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case.