Islamabad police have opened a criminal case over a disturbance that broke out during a New Year’s Eve music event at a private housing society, but the FIR was later placed under “seal” on directions that have not been explained.
Police sources said the case was lodged at Banigala police station after a complaint by an official linked to the society’s management. The FIR includes sections 148 (rioting while armed), 149 (offences by members of an unlawful assembly), and 440 (mischief after preparation for causing death or injury) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Those familiar with the matter said access to the FIR was restricted following verbal instructions from senior officers.
According to the same sources, the event was arranged to mark the start of the new year, with tickets priced at Rs. 5,000 for families and Rs. 2,000 for individuals. They alleged, however, that ticket sales exceeded the venue’s capacity and that crowd-control arrangements were insufficient.
Tensions reportedly rose when a large crowd gathered outside, and security staff allegedly prevented many ticket-holders from entering, prompting protests, mainly by younger attendees. Sources said security personnel then used batons to disperse the crowd, after which both sides were seen throwing stones. Viral social media videos showed damage being caused to property during the chaos.
Legal commentators argue that “sealing” FIRs runs contrary to court directions. In June 2019, Judicial Magistrate (West) Rana Mujahid Rahim ordered Islamabad police not to seal FIRs, holding the practice unlawful and unconstitutional. The court said withholding FIR copies infringes the constitutional rights of both complainants and accused persons.
That order followed a petition by then-PPP Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, who sought a copy of an FIR registered against him at Margalla police station. In its decision, the court stated that the police had no power to seal FIRs and called the practice “ill-motivated,” warning that it could facilitate arrests without allowing suspects to seek relief under Section 498 of the CPC.
Former Lahore High Court judge Chaudhry Abdul Aziz also said no law authorizes the sealing of an FIR, adding that Police Rules require copies to be provided to the complainant, the magistrate, and the investigation officer.
Senior police officers, speaking anonymously, told reporters that Section 157(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, meant to allow an SHO to pause an investigation and conduct an initial inquiry, was being used as a pretext to restrict FIR access.
Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Jawad Tariq and Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Ali Raza Qazi could not be reached for comment despite repeated efforts.