QUETTA(National Times)- The Balochistan High Court on Friday suspended the implementation of a first information report (FIR) registered against Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai, while admitting his constitutional petition for regular hearing.

A BHC division bench, headed by Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Mullahkhail, heard the petition challenging the FIR lodged against Mr Achakzai by police in Qila Abdullah district. Following preliminary arguments, the court ordered the suspension of the FIR’s implementation and issued notices to the provincial government and other respondents for the next hearing.

A team of senior lawyers, including Muhammad Riaz Ahmed, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Advocate Habibullah Nasar, Ayaz Mandokhail, Rahib Buledi and others, represented Mr Achakzai, who is also Chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, before the court.

The FIR was registered at Gulistan Police Station in Qila Abdullah district, accusing Mr Achakzai of allegedly spreading hatred against a state institution and criticising the current government during a public gathering. Several other political leaders were also named in the case.

According to the FIR, the charges stem from a speech allegedly containing harsh, insulting and provocative remarks against a state institution. Authorities further alleged that the speech incited the public and promoted hatred.

The petition challenges the legality of the FIR and seeks judicial relief against the criminal proceedings. With the court’s interim order, any action based on the FIR will remain suspended until further proceedings.

The case is expected to be taken up again on the next date of hearing after responses are submitted by government authorities concerned.