ATC irked over former mayor’s foreign travel

Says cases are pending against him in this court, why permission was not sought?

KARACHI:

How did MQM-P leader and former Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar go abroad without permission? If permission has been obtained from one court then why not from another? The special anti-terrorism court (ATC) has ordered an explanation at the next hearing.

Seven cases of the May 12 tragedy were heard before a special court at the Anti-Terrorism Complex in Karachi Central Jail. Accused Wasim Akhtar had filed an application for exemption from attendance.

The counsel of the accused stated that Wasim Akhtar had left the country for necessary work with the permission of Special ATC No. 2.

The court expressed anger over Wasim Akhtar’s counsel and said that he did not seek permission from this court. “Aren’t the cases pending in this court?” the court remarked.

Read More: Anti-terrorism court remands MQM-London workers

The court inquired the counsel as to how his client left the country without the permission of the court. The court ordered to explain why Akhtar left the country without permission. The court also reserved judgment on Wasim Akhtar’s application for exemption from attendance.

The court also issued non-bailable arrest warrant against accused Muhammad Hanif, an MQM worker, over his absence and ordered to present him at the next hearing. The court adjourned the hearing till the last week of this month.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2022.