Malik Mumtaz Qadri, the self-confessed killer of Salmaan Taseer, is likely to be indicted by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on the next date of the case hearing scheduled on February 1. During the course of hearing on Monday, Station House Officer (SHO) Koshar police station submitted a challan before the ATC Judge Raja Ikhlaq Hussain. However the public prosecutor did not appear while the court directed chief commissioner Islamabad to ensure availability of a lawyer on the next date of the case’s hearing.
“Qadri has himself confessed that he is the killer of governor Salmaan Taseer which of course leads him towards punishment,” the challan stated.
The assassin’s statement, which was recorded before the magistrate of Islamabad court two weeks ago, was also produced before the ATC judge.
Meanwhile Tariq Dhanial, the counsel for Mumtaz Qadri also submitted an application seeking permission to arrange a meeting between Qadri and his family. Monday’s hearing was held at the Adiala prison in Rawalpindi due to security reason. Dozens of Qadri’s supporters gathered outside the jail and chanted slogans in his favour.
Earlier on January 10, the ATC had sent Qadri on judicial remand for two weeks. Salmaan Taseer was assassinated on January 4 in the Koshar Market located in Sector F-6 of Islamabad.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2011.
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