Blasphemy Case: IHC Orders NCCIA DG to Present All Witnesses Before Trial Court

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Director General of the National Counter Terrorism and Cyber Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to ensure the presence of all prosecution witnesses before the trial court on **October 8** in a blasphemy case involving an accused detained for the past one and a half years.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the bail plea of the accused, Hassan Abid. The petitioner was represented by Advocate Hadi Ali, while Assistant Attorney General Usman Ghumman, Adil Aziz Qazi, and FIA Deputy Director appeared on behalf of the state.

During the proceedings, Justice Kayani ordered the trial court to complete the cross-examination of witnesses on the same date and instructed the High Court’s Member Inspection Team (MIT) to visit the trial court and submit a detailed report regarding delays. He remarked that MIT should inspect both relevant trial courts and explain why they were failing to perform effectively.

The defense counsel informed the court that there are a total of seven witnesses in the case, but none have yet undergone cross-examination despite repeated summons. He argued that the trial court had failed to issue arrest warrants against absent witnesses, causing unnecessary delays.

Expressing displeasure, the court reprimanded the defense counsel for not including previous judicial orders in the case record, noting that it was the lawyer’s responsibility to present them.

The FIA’s Deputy Director informed the court that the investigating officer, Mudassir Shah, had been transferred to Peshawar. The judge directed that he must also appear before the trial court on **October 8**.

Justice Kayani expressed dissatisfaction over the non-compliance with court directives and the absence of government witnesses, remarking that the case would now be heard on a **daily basis to set an example**.

The hearing was adjourned until **October 10**.