KARACHI: Judge of Civil Court No.VI South Karachi has summoned to appear Shoaib Ahmed Secretary Karachi Press Club in person or by pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to suit No.1307 of 2024 on October 26.

He is also directed to produce on that day all documents upon which he lead to rely in support of his defence and file his written statement. In default of his appearance suit will be heard and determined in his absence, order said. Ghulam Mohyuddin Advocate for Supreme Court and former Assistant Attorney General has filed suit for declaration of permanent injunction and damages on behalf of Muhammad Arif Khan, journalist and Council member of Karachi Press Club since 1995. He has been active member of Club and twice served as elected Joint Secretary during 2012 and 2013 and remained President of Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor) in 2009 and 2010.

  On May 20, 2024, Shoaib Ahmed delivered final show cause notice to plaintiff that called for an explanation within three days regarding news clip allegedly circulated by plaintiff in Press Club members’ WhatsApp group concerning alleged corruption in Athar Ali Hashmi Terrace of Club.  Plaintiff responded to show cause notice. On September 1, 2024, plaintiff as usual visited Club when he was orally informed at reception that Governing Body of Club had passed an order terminating his membership under Article 9, Rule 12 of Defendants Articles of Association (1959) and he is stopped from entering and enjoying facilities as membership cease to exist.  Such action on part of Governing Body of Defendant took plaintiff at surprise, suffered mental torture and agony as alleged order passed at back of plaintiff without affording personal hearing to plaintiff, illegal act of defendant prima facie appeared to be political victimization as plaintiff belongs to opposition group of defendant, lawyer said.         On September 2, 2024 plaintiff immediately served notice through registered posts and courier service to defendant, requesting copy of alleged order which had not been communicated to plaintiff as required under Article 9, Rule 12 of Article of Association. Plaintiff sought order to file an appeal before General Council.  Defendant failed to provide alleged order and is not allowing plaintiff to enjoy facilities of Karachi Press Club.

On September 21, 2024, plaintiff again sent reminder to defendant through courier service which duly served on September 23, 2023. However, defendant has not provided order to date, prompting filing of this law suit, plaintiff added.