The Punjab police have decided to strike the name of Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider from the FIR registered against former PM Nawaz Sharif and others in the treason case.

The development comes following criticism that this could be damaging for the Kashmir cause. “We will strike off the name of Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider from the FIR at the investigation stage. However, the investigation against others nominated in the case will proceed as per law,” Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hasan Chohan told DAWN.

Pakistani state is not part of treason case against Nawaz: Punjab Police

On Tuesday, the city police clarified that the FIR was not filed by the state. According to a statement attributing to the spokesperson of Lahore Capital City Police, 'different speculations were being made in the media but in reality, this case was registered on the request of a citizen, Badar Rasheed.

The police said action will be taken only against those found guilty of the charges. Dispensation of justice will be ensured at any cost in the case, the police said.

Later it emerged that the citizen who filed the case was a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker, who also has a criminal record. Rashid alias Heera's pictures surfaced on social media with the PTI leadership.

The citizen has been booked under attempted murder charges, for possessing illegal weapons and attacking a police officer.

However, Chohan has dismissed reports that Rashid was a PTI office-bearer.