Naqeebullah case: Court directs witness to come prepared at next hearing

Judicial magistrate was supposed to record his statement but sought time to prepare

KARACHI: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) directed on Saturday the witness judicial magistrate to appear with preparation at the next hearing of Naqeebullah murder case.

Investigation officer (IO) Dr Rizwan appeared before the court as did former Malir SSP Rao Anwar, DSP Qamar and other accused. Witness in the case, Judicial Magistrate Saghir Abro, also appeared before the court.



The statement of Abro couldn't be recorded. He informed the court that he was not prepared and sought time. The court allowed time for preparation.

Counsel for Rao Anwar, advocate Amir Mansoob, objected saying that the magistrate came to give the statement and took an oath but is now saying he is not prepared. "He can read out his statement, we don't have any objection on it but we will cross examine the witness today," said Mansoob.

The court directed the witness to appear prepared on the next hearing on May 28.

Absent petitioner

Another ATC adjourned the hearing of two cases pertaining to anti-state slogans, terrorism and attack on media house due to the absence of the petitioner, SHO Abdul Ghaffar.

Farooq Sattar, Amir Khan Pasha and other accused appeared before the court. The IO submitted a report explaining why the petitioner was not presented before the court. It stated that the petitioner, Ghaffar, was sick and asked that another date be given for hearing which the court accepted.

The judge expressed annoyance at Qamar Mansoor for arriving late at the court. The accused should ensure they reach on time, a fine will be imposed if they come late, remarked the court.

The court adjourned hearing till June 22.

The statement of the petitioner had to be recorded yesterday (Saturday). The court has declared nine accused as absconders in the case. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2019.