SSP Rao Anwar was at the forefront during the clash between police and protesters at Star Gate on Saturday. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday, wrapped the suo motu case of the ‘extra-judicial’ killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud of Waziristan by former senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rao Anwar, and issued a four-page verdict directing the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to carry out the investigation swiftly without any pressure or problems.
The written order also stated that the JIT needs to stay independent and indifferent to media reports. The JIT, headed by Additional Inspector-General Sindh (IG) Aftab Ahmed Pathan, includes Additional IG Special Branch Waliullah Dal, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Azad Ahmed Khan, DIG East Zulfiqar Larik and SSP Central Dr Rizwan.
“We also direct the elders of the Mehsud family, some of whom are present, not to directly or indirectly threaten or cause harm to the life of Rao Anwar in any matter,” the order said.
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“The IG Sindh or whosoever succeeds him shall take all necessary steps and will be directly responsible to protect Anwar during the period of his custody with the police,” the order added.
In Karachi, the former SSP is being presented before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi who is hearing the case of the murder. The SC had ordered Sindh police to cooperate with all law enforcement agencies to trace Anwar and bring him to court.
Yesterday, Anwar, sporting a surgical mask, arrived at the SC and surrendered himself to the court. He pleaded not guilty and said that he is innocent in the case.
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