CICS COBOL program abends with AEIP(INVREQ) while executing EXEC CICS POP HANDLE statment

Hello,

In one of the CICS COBOL subroutine program running on Micro Focus server, there is a EXEC CICS POP HANDLE statement used. 

While executing this program in CICS environment of Micro Focus server, the program is getting AEIP(INVREQ) error from CICS at POP HANDLE statement.

If there is a HANDLE ABEND condition used in the calling COBOL program, the control goes to the exception handling program. Otherwise, the control goes to CICS directly and abends.

Question is why is Micro Focus CICS is returning AEIP(INVREQ) for a POP HANDLE statement ? It is accepted as a valid CICS Command in Micro Focus why is it not handled ?

Best regards,

Narasimharao