Naqeebullah murder case: ATC irked by continuous absence of investigation officer

Serving a show-cause notice, on him grants permission to Rao Anwar to celebrate Eid with family

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) issued a show cause notice to the investigation officer (IO) in the Naqeebullah murder case over his continuous absence from court.

Meanwhile, the court granted permission to former Malir SSP Rao Anwar to travel outside the city to meet his family for Eidul Azha.

Anwar said he would reveal facts related to the case after Eidul Azha. "I will disclose facts regarding fake cases and defective investigation," he said.

During the hearing where Anwar and the other suspects appeared before the court, the police submitted a report on the absconders, which stated that raids were being conducted to arrest them. The report stated that the absconders had gone into hiding fearing their arrest.

Irked by the continuous absence of IO Dr Rizwan, the court issued him a show cause notice. It remarked that the IO should let the court know if he doesn't want to do his job as the case was getting delayed due to his continuous absence.

The IO was directed to appear before the court at the next hearing and submit a report on the absconders.

The hearing was adjourned till September 18.

Permission to travel granted

Meanwhile, Anwar submitted a request through Advocate Amir Mansoob to let him travel outside Karachi to meet his family on Eidul Azha.

Mansoob argued that it was not possible for his client to celebrate Eid with his family in Karachi due to security threats, hence, he should be allowed to travel outside the city.

The counsel for the prosecution, Salahuddin Panhwar, raised objections on the request of the former SSP, telling the judge that the court was already entertaining a petition regarding the transfer of the case to another courtroom, and thus, should not pass a judgment on the plea by Anwar.

After hearing the arguments of both parties, the court accepted Anwar's plea, allowing him to travel outside the city for Eidul Azha.

Earlier, the court had also issued the orders of release on bail for Anwar, the prime suspect in the Naqeebullah murder case.

The directive came a day after the court granted Anwar's bail in a case relating to the use of illegal arms and explosives in the fake encounter which had killed Waziristan native Naqeebullah Mehsud.

Speaking to the media outside court, Anwar claimed he will reveal facts with evidence of being trapped in fake cases. "Innocent policemen are nominated in this case," he said, adding that the investigation wasn't carried out properly.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2018.