ATC summons former IO of Chaudhry Aslam’s murder case

Prosecutor grants extension to record Baldia factory owners' statement through video link

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) directed on Monday the former investigation officer (IO) of former SP Chaudhry Aslam's murder case to ensure his presence at the next hearing.

Jail officials presented accused, Zafar alias Saeen and Obaid alias Abi, before the court. The statement of the former IO could not be recorded due to his absence.

The court adjourned the hearing till August 7. Statements of 26 witnesses have been recorded in the case. The court has termed the chief of the banned outfit, Tehreek-e-Taliban, Mullah Fazlullah and Shahidullah Shahid as absconders in the case. The other accused were arrested by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).



According to police, the accused confessed to conducting reconnaissance and facilitating the murder during interrogation. The former SP and his companions were killed in a bomb blast on January 9, 2014.

Baldia factory

Another ATC granted an extension to the prosecutor, Sajid Mehboob Sheikh, for recording the video statement of the owners in Baldia Factory fire case.

Jail officials produced Rehman Bhola and Zubair Charya before the court. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Rauf Siddiqui and other accused appeared before the court. IO Sajid Sadozai was also present.

The prosecutor sought an extension to arrange the recording of the factory owners' statement through video link. He said that letters have been written to the home secretary and other relevant authorities, adding that the letter mentioned that the home ministry should make arrangements to implement court orders.

The prosecutor submitted a copy of the letter before the court. The court accepted the prosecutor's request and adjourned hearing till August 3.

Perween Rahman murder case

Meanwhile, another ATC adjourned the hearing of Orangi Pilot Project Director Perween Rahman's murder case.

Defence counsel, Advocate Abid Zaman, maintained that a joint investigation team has been formed on the directives of the Supreme Court. He said that the hearing of the final challans could not be held.  The plaintiff maintained that further investigation was needed in the case.

The court adjourned the hearing till August 8.  Accused have filed their bail pleas in the Sindh High Court.

According to police, five accused have been arrested in the case. Rahman was murdered in 2013.

Target killing

Another ATC recorded the statement of police official Liaquat while hearing the target killing cases of former inspector Nasirul Hasan and police constable Khurram Butt. The court summoned more witnesses at the next hearing of the case.



Ubaid K2, Danish, Ishtiaq alias Police Wala, Zeeshan, Rafay and other accused appeared before the court.

The hearing was adjourned till August 10. According to police, Nadeem, Shabbir alias Dhobi, Asif Chitta and other accused are on the run. Statements of six witnesses have been recorded so far. The accused opened fire on a police mobile on July 1, 2010, killing Nasir and Khurram and injuring Ahmed Waqas.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2019.