An ex-officio justice of peace in Lahore has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to decide, in accordance with law, an application seeking registration of a case against former president Dr Arif Alvi for allegedly making blasphemous remarks.

The order was issued by Additional District & Sessions Judge Shafqat Shahbaz Raja on a petition filed by citizen Shahzad Adnan, who accused the ex-president of committing blasphemy.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that an application was pending before the NCCIA but the agency was reluctant to register an FIR. In response, the NCCIA said the matter had been referred to the Anti-Blasphemous Cell, which would act after receiving evidence.

In his written order, Judge Raja directed the cell to conclude proceedings within the stipulated time and to proceed in line with the law if a cognizable offense was found. The petition was then disposed of.