Case against medical aid to ‘terrorists’ adjourned

Hearing set for another date due to absence of judge

KARACHI:

The hearing of the case over the medical treatment of alleged terrorists was adjourned due to the absence of the judge in Special Anti-Terrorism Court No 2.

A special anti-terrorism court in Karachi heard a case related to the treatment of suspected terrorists Rauf Siddiqui and Anis Qaimkhani. National Assembly member Abdul Qadir Patel and former mayor Wasim Akhtar could not appear due to political engagements. Usman Moazzam's lawyer filed an application for immunity, saying his client was unwell and could not appear.

Dr. Asim Hussain's lawyer filed a petition seeking extension of immunity. Due to the absence of the judge in the court, the hearing was adjourned till May 14.

It may be recalled that Sindh High Court Chief Justice Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh has recommended to the Sindh Home Department to remove Special Anti-Terrorism Court No2 Judge Nuzhat Ara Alvi. As a result, her appointment as a judge of the Special ATC was de-notified.

In a letter issued to the Sindh Home Secretary, it was said that Judge Nuzhat Ara Alvi of Special Anti-Terrorism Court No. 2 should be de-notified as soon as possible. She was appointed as a judge of Special Anti-Terrorism Court No. 2 on August 10, 2021. Following the court order, the Sindh Home Department issued a notification to de-notify her. She had exchanged harsh words with MQM leaders and lawyers on several occasions.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2022.