MQM-P man acquitted

ATC orders defence counsel to ensure presence on next hearing

KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) acquitted on Saturday accused Fahad of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in a case of possessing illegal weapons.

The ATC was hearing the case at Karachi Central Jail. The court acquitted Fahad for want of evidence against him. Advocate Abid Zaman argued that a fake case has been framed against the accused therefore he should be acquitted.

According to the police, the accused belongs to MQM and the case against him was registered at Darakhshan police station in 2017.

Anti-state slogans

Another ATC ordered the counsels for accused to ensure their presence in the next hearing of two cases pertaining to anti-state slogans, attack on the media houses, damaging state property and terrorism.

The court was hearing the cases at Karachi Central Jail. Dr Farooq Sattar, Amir Khan, Qamar Mansoor, Gulfaraz Khattak and others appeared before the court. Hearing was adjourned till August 31 due to the absence of the counsels for accused. The court ordered the counsels to ensure their presence on the next hearing.

According to the police, two cases against the accused are registered in Artillery police station on state's behalf. The court has issued indictment against eight accused including MQM founder in the cases.

Hearing adjourned

An ATC adjourned the hearing of four cases against former provincial home minister Zulfiqar Mirza and co-accused due to the leave of judge.

The ATC was hearing the cases at Karachi Central Jail. Former provincial home minster Zulfiqar Mirza appeared before the court. Hearing was adjourned till September 21 due to judge's leave. Zulfiqar Mirza is facing trial in four cases. Zulfiqar Mirza and co-accused have already been indicted in the cases.  According to the police, the accused have allegations of terrorism, vandalism and others. Cases against the accused are registered in different police stations of Badin. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2019.