ATC again grants IO extension to arrest accused on the run in May 12 incident

KARACHI: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) yet again gave an extension on Friday to the investigation officer (IO) for arresting and producing accused on the run, nominated in a case pertaining to the May 12 incident, before the court.

The case is registered against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI) workers. During the case's hearing at Karachi Central Jail, the IO sought an extension for arresting the accused on the run.

The court, though granted the extension, expressed annoyance over repeated requests for an extension by the IO and ordered him to produce the accused on the run before the court by December 20.

Police reforms: a far cry

The accused on the run include Abdul Bari Kakar, Habibullah, Mushtaq and Wakeel Khan, whose non-bailable arrest warrants have been issued.

In all, police have nominated 400 to 500 workers of PPP, ANP and JI in the case.

According to police, the case against the accused was registered in 2007 and 11 more such cases, pertaining to the May 12 incident, are under trial at the ATC. Of the total accused in the case, more than 20, including Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar, are out on bail, while 14 have been declared absconders.

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