Illicit weapons case: MQM lawmaker's former coordinator acquitted

Prosecution fails to prove charges against suspect during two-year trial

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) acquitted on Tuesday a former coordinator of a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker, who was charged with possessing illicit weapons and explosives.

The ATC-VIII released Zubair Arab, former coordinator of MQM MNA Salman Mujahid Baloch, after the prosecution failed to prove charges against him during the two-year trial.

Arab, associated with the party's Baldia Town sector, was arrested after an alleged encounter in Orangi on May 26, 2014. According to the prosecution, an unlicensed weapon and hand grenade were seized from him.

The defence objected that the suspect was taken into custody by the Rangers on the night between May 21 and May 22 of the same year. They said he was travelling with the MNA when the Rangers intercepted and searched their vehicle. Later, they took him along, despite protests by the lawmaker.

During the trial, the judge examined evidences brought forth by the prosecution and defence in support of their claims. In the order, the judge observed that the prosecution could not prove the crime on part of the accused and therefore the suspect was acquitted of the charges.

The case was registered under section 23(1)A of the Sindh Arms Act and sections 4 and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act, read with section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act at the Pakistan Bazar police station.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2016.