The Sindh High Court Thursday expressed its displeasure over registration of a case against senior journalist Mohsin Baig in Karachi and granted him bail, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A petition seeking termination of the case registered against Mohsin Baig in Karachi was heard in the Sindh High Court.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted a written reply to the court in which Mohsin Baig was arrested on money laundering charges.

The assistant attorney general told the court that Mohsin Baig had been arrested in a case registered in Karachi. “An interim challan has also been filed against Mohsin Baig in the Sessions Court,” he informed the SHC.

At this, the court expressed its displeasure over unsatisfactory answers by the FIA and the assistant attorney general on arrest of Mohsin Baig in the money laundering case.

Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro said that the court in previous hearing had sought a reply from the federal government and the FIA. “But instead of submitting an answer, not only had Mohsin Baig been arrested but an interim challen was also submitted against him to the Sessions Court,” he said and added that he was arrested after appearing in the court.

“There is no monarchy in the country. Will cases be registered against him in Quetta, Peshawar, Gilgit-Baltistan tomorrow?” the SHC judge questioned.

The court summoned Attorney General of Pakistan in person on next hearing and also directed Mohsin Baig to submit surety bonds of Rs100,000.

“We are not disposing of the case. If malpractice is proved, the court will also order stern action against the responsible,” the court said.

“The court also has strong reservations about filing of a case against a journalist. Those who filed the case can be jailed,” it added.

 

Reporter Bilal Ahmed