Islamabad High Court Orders Medical Examination of Journalist Asad Ali Toor
On March 1, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered a medical examination for Asad Ali Toor, a journalist currently in custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
According to The Nation, Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Shabbir presided over the hearing regarding the request for Toor’s medical evaluation. The move came after Imaan Zainab Mazari, representing Toor, argued that her client had embarked on a hunger strike during his time in FIA’s custody, urging the court to authorize his transfer to a medical facility for the required care.
However, FIA representatives countered in court, maintaining that Toor was in good health and had not engaged in any hunger strike. Despite these claims, the court proceeded to order a medical examination for Toor, subsequently resolving the case.
As per Dawn, Toor initiated a hunger strike while in (FIA) custody on March 1, leading to a deterioration in his health. Toor’s lawyer, advocate Imaan Zainab Mazari expressed concern on social media, citing worries from Toor’s family, lawyers, and friends. In a post, Mazari shared Toor’s reason for the hunger strike, quoting him: “I am the voice of the voiceless, and now they are muzzling my voice. I protest this action.”
On 29th February, Mazari confirmed and retweeted a post sharing that Toor’s mother, his legal representatives, and his companions expressed profound concern over his declining health due to his hunger strike.
According to Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Toor was apprehended by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing in Islamabad on February 26. This arrest followed his appearance in response to the latest in a series of notices concerning his alleged involvement in an online campaign critical of the judiciary and state institutions. Following his arrest, Toor was remanded by the IHC for five days on February 27.
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation