SHC dismisses Rao Anwar’s plea seeking exemption from attendance

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday dimissed former SSP Malir Rao Anwar's plea seeking exemption from attendance in the Naqeebullah murder case.

A two-member bench headed by SHC Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh heard the former police officer's plea seeking exemption, presented by his counsel Advocate Amir Mansoob.

Justice Sheikh remarked "would it not be discrimination against others if Rao Anwar is excused from attending court proceedings?"

The ex-policeman's lawyer maintained that according to a report received from intelligence agencies, his client was facing serious security concerns.

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On hearing the argument, the chief justice remarked that in that case "we will order the trial court to hold hearings on a daily basis, and reject your plea".

However, the petitioner's counsel pleaded to the court to not reject the plea, saying he will withdraw it.

Granting the request, the court dismissed it on the grounds of withdrawal.

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It may be recalled that former SSP Malir Rao Anwar previously filed an application with the trial court seeking exemption from attendance in court hearing of the Naqeebullah murder case.

His plea was rejected in the trial court after which Anwar had challenged the verdict in the SHC.