ATC directs IO to present witnesses in Naqeebullah case

Seven accused have been declared absconders by the court

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) directed the investigation officer (IO) on Tuesday to present the witnesses in Naqeebullah murder case before the court on the next hearing.

The accused, who are out on bail, including former Malir SSP Rao Anwar, former DSP Qamar and three others, appeared before the court.

Jail officials produced 13 arrested accused before the court.

However, witnesses Inspector Shakir and petitioner Muhammad Khan did not appear.

The court directed IO Additional Inspector-General Dr Rizwan to present both the witnesses on the next hearing. Besides, the court sought arguments on the bail pleas filed by two accused, Imran Raza Kazmi and Raees Abbas Zaidi, on August 8.

The hearing was adjourned till August 19.

Seven of the accused in the case, including former sub-inspector Amanullah Marwat and Shoaib alias Shooter, are on the run and have been declared absconders by the court.

According to the police, the accused murdered Naqeebullah and three others. The case against the accused is registered at Sachal Police Station and another one is registered at Shah Latif Police Station.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2019.