Justice collapses when those entrusted with enforcing the law begin to violate it.
This article is written to document serious allegations of custodial violence, coercion, and systematic extortion, based on eyewitness testimony and personal experience of a practicing lawyer from Rawalpindi, hereafter referred to as Advocate Nadeem.
These claims are not rumors. They are grounded in direct observation, physical evidence, and verifiable records.
Assault During Custody
Advocate Nadeem states that he was physically assaulted with sticks by an individual named Shoaib Riaz, whom he had never met before and with whom he had no prior dispute. He had neither spoken about this person on social media nor had any personal interaction with him.
Despite this, he was subjected to severe physical violence.
Visible injury marks remain on his head, feet, and fingers. Some injuries have yet to heal fully. These are not symbolic claims, they are documented physical wounds.
He was slapped, humiliated, forced into painful positions, and threatened repeatedly while in custody.
Extortion Witnessed Over Four Days
During a four-day remand period (from 9 September to 14 September), Advocate Nadeem reports witnessing repeated instances of people being detained and coerced into financial “settlements.”
In his presence, multiple individuals were allegedly forced to pay enormous sums, including:
- 50 million PKR
- 35 million PKR
- 25 million PKR
- 19 million PKR
- 9 million PKR
- 8 million PKR
- 20 million PKR
Corresponding FIRs from these dates reportedly exist, and many of the accused were released shortly afterward on compromise arrangements, a pattern that raises serious legal concerns.
In one case, an accused person agreed to a 35-million-rupee settlement. When his brother failed to deliver the money, the detainee was allegedly beaten and verbally abused.
He was repeatedly instructed:
“Do not hire your own lawyer. Our lawyer will handle your case.”
When the family chose independent legal counsel, further mistreatment followed.
Forced Legal Representation and Torture Allegations
Detainees were allegedly pressured to accept specific lawyers. Those who resisted faced physical punishment.
Advocate Nadeem describes seeing individuals slapped, degraded, forced into stress positions, and psychologically broken. Families were ordered to be called to arrange money. These actions, if proven, amount to custodial torture.
Alleged Misuse of FIA Identity
Another serious concern raised is the continued display of FIA insignia and uniforms, despite cybercrime jurisdiction having shifted to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.
Officers allegedly:
- Wore FIA clothing
- Displayed FIA plates outside offices
- Introduced themselves as FIA personnel
Advocate Nadeem was reportedly presented before a judge while officials wore FIA attire, creating the impression of federal authority.
This alleged misrepresentation appears designed to intimidate detainees and influence judicial perception.
Legal Responsibility Under Section 202 PPC
Under Section 202 of the Pakistan Penal Code, anyone who is aware of a crime and deliberately fails to report it may also be held criminally liable.
Advocate Nadeem states that authorities were informed about fake credentials and misconduct, yet no meaningful action was taken.
Formal complaints have been lodged, and legal proceedings are expected to follow.
A Message to Shoaib Riaz
If innocence is claimed, then it should be defended openly in court.
Power should not be exercised through fear, violence, or coercion.
Lawyers exist to protect citizens from abuse. When lawyers themselves are attacked, the entire justice system is undermined.
This is no longer a personal matter. It is a professional and constitutional issue.
Conclusion
Advocate Nadeem maintains that his legal career has always focused on defending the vulnerable, not serving power.
If lawyers are silenced, ordinary citizens lose their last refuge.
The matter will now be pursued strictly through legal channels.
Truth does not require force.
It requires accountability.