ATC acquits four MQM activists

The accused were charged with murder of PTI worker and his friend in 2014

KARACHI: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) acquitted  on Friday four activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), who were accused of killing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker, Taufiq Ali Hoti, and his friend.  As the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the accused, the court issued the release order of Faisal Mama, Adnan Burger, Ikhlas Qureshi alias Carton and Wajid due to the lack of evidence against them. The jail administration was directed to release them if they were not wanted in any other case.

According to police, the accused attacked former PTI general secretary, Hoti, and his friend, Arif, in August 2014. Hoti and Arif died in the attack.

Naqeebullah murder case

Another special ATC on Friday directed the petitioner's lawyer in Naqeebullah murder case to present his arguments in the next hearing on the bail pleas of the accused.

Former Malir senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rao Anwar, former deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Qamar and other accused appeared before the court. Investigation Officer (IO) Dr Rizwan could not appear in court because he was unwell. However, another officer submitted Dr Rizwan's application for exemption from appearance and a report related to the absconding accused.

The absconders in the case include former SHO Amanullah Marwat, Shoaib alias shooter and nine others. The defence lawyer gave arguments on the bail pleas of the three arrested accused. The arrested accused include Ghulam Nazuk, Arshad Ali and Shafiq Ahmed.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2018.