Naqeebullah's father doubts ATC's impartiality in case against Anwar

ATC reserves verdict on Anwar's bail application

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: In a written statement submitted on Tuesday in an anti-terrorism court in Karachi, father of Naqeebullah Mehsud expressed reservations on the court’s ability to act impartially in the case against former SSP Malir Rao Anwar.

Mohammad Khan’s statement, submitted through his counsel Faisal Siddiqui, details his lack of confidence in the ATC to impart justice in the fake encounter case against Anwar. Seeking adjournment of hearings, Khan has requested the special case to be transferred to the Sindh High Court (SHC) under Section 526 of the Criminal Procedure Code “(CrPC).

“In view of the pendency of the Criminal Transfer Application no. 50 of 2018 and Criminal Transfer Application no.49 of 2018, we strongly object to this honourable court proceeding with the bail application in the special case,” said the statement as it sought time until SHC ruling.

Meanwhile, the ATC reserved the verdict on the bail application submitted by Anwar’s counsel in a case pertaining to illegal possession of explosives as Khan’s counsel in the lower court, Advocate Salahuddin Panhwar reiterated his client’s lack of confidence and requested for a delay in further hearings until the SHC ruled on the transfer petition. Upon the court’s dismissal of his request, Panhwar boycotted the hearing.



It is pertinent to note that the ATC had earlier approved bail pleas submitted by Anwar in the kidnapping and murder case of Naqeebullah and others.