Naqeebullah murder case: Ensure eyewitness’ presence at the next hearing, orders court

IO informed the court that the witness has gone to Dera Ismail Khan for passport renewal

KARACHI: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) ordered on Saturday to present Muhammad Qasim, who is the eyewitness in Naqeebullah murder case, before the court at the next hearing, under any circumstances.

The order was passed by ATC no. 3, during the hearing of Naqeebullah murder case, at Karachi Central Jail, where jail officials presented the accused, including the former SSP of Malir Police, Rao Anwar, DSP Qamar and others, before the court.  However, the petitioner remained absent during the hearing. Explaining his absence, the petitioner's counsel submitted a plea stating that he was busy with another court proceeding at Shaheed Benazirabad Model Court.

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In addition to this, another plea, pertaining to the absence of Qasim, was submitted by investigation officials during the hearing. They informed the court that Qasim has gone to Dera Ismail Khan for the renewal of his passport, which he expects to receive by October 30. According to the investigation officials, Qasim has been asked to present his expired and new passports before the court.

The counsel for the accused, on the other hand, argued that soon as some progress is expected to be made in the case, either the petitioner's counsel or the eyewitness miss the hearing, because of which the case is delayed.

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The court ordered to ensure the presence of Qasim at the next hearing and adjourned the hearing till October 2.

According to the police, from among the accused in the case, Sub-Inspector Amanullah Marwat, Shoaib alias Shooter and five others are on the run, who have been declared absconders by the court. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2019.