SSP Malir Rao Anwar says he skipped court fearing Taliban attack

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir Rao Anwar has said he's unable to appear before courts due to security concerns and 'life threats by Taliban militants'.

The remarks were made during hearing of a case relating to charges of arson, rioting and murder against former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Saleem Shahzad at the City Courts in Karachi on Tuesday, Express News reported.

Expressing annoyance over SSP Malir’s repeated absence from the hearing, a sessions judge remarked, “Why don’t we put you behind bars so you can promptly appear before the court… which otherwise seems highly unlikely”.

Responding to the remarks, Anwar said he feared the Taliban, hence, could not make regular court appearances. He also sought further time to record his statement in the case.

The court adjourned the hearing to December 2.

The former MQM leader faces three cases dating back to 1992 pertaining to murder, kidnapping, arson and rioting.

The cases have been pending due to non-appearance of witnesses before the court, which had also served Anwar a show-cause notice in this regard. Additional sessions judge east had also ordered arresting the SSP Malir and other police officials concerned.

Shahzad was arrested in February from Karachi airport after he returned to the country from Britain, ending his two-decade-long self-imposed exile.

In June, he was allowed to travel abroad to seek medical treatment.