Naqeebullah killing: Witness identifies ‘encounter’ weapon

In another case, eyewitness states the accused officials in court did not kill Intezar in 2018

A witness confirmed that the court had the weapon used to kill Naqeebullah during a hearing of the murder case on Thursday.

An anti-terrorism court was conducting the hearing, with accused former Malir SSP Rao Anwar, DSP Qamar and others appearing before the court.

The court recorded the statements of three witnesses for the prosecution.

Cross-examining witness ASI Ali, the defence counsel said, “As per your statement, this is the weapon used in the police encounter [which allegedly killed Naqeebullah].” The witness replied in the affirmative, adding that the court had the weapon used in the alleged encounter.

The defence counsel further cross-examined witness Mukhtiar Panhwar, the former Azizabad SHO, asking him how he arrested Shakeel Feroz. Panhwar replied that he had arrested Feroz on the basis of a tip-off from an informant.

The counsel, however, said his statement was false, claiming that Feroz had gone missing earlier and pointing out that a complaint in this regard had been lodged at the relevant police station.

Following the cross-examination, the court summoned more witnesses and adjourned the hearing until October 22.

Intezar murder

Separately, an eyewitness refused to identify the accused in a case pertaining to the killing of a young man by Anti-Car Lifting Cell (ACLC) personnel.

Eyewitness Madiha Kayani, a friend of the deceased Intezar, stated that the accused present in the courtroom did not kill Intezar.

Eight ACLC personnel have been arrested for allegedly gunning down Intezar, 19, in Defence Housing Authority on January 13, 2018.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2020.