Aamir Liaquat's body handed over to family for burial

Televangelist's family also arrived at court; deny autopsy

KARACHI:

The body of famous TV host Aamir Liaquat was handed over to his family members on Friday for burial after a judicial magistrate ordered police officials to do so.  

The body was received by the late anchor's son and preparations for the last rites have begun. It is expected he would be buried later today. 

Earlier today, police officials, including the senior superintendent of police (SSP) East and station house officer (SHO) reached Brigade City Court in an effort to seize authority over Aamir Liaquat's mortal remains for the conduction of an autopsy. Police surgeon Dr Samia also reached the court.

They maintained that an autopsy was mandatory under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure - which ordains the "police to enquire and report on suicide" or death "under circumstances raising a reasonable suspicion".

The police emphasised that it would act in light of court orders.

The televangelist's ex-wife and children reached the city court as well to seek a court order to allow Aamir's burial. The police said the only way they'll allow for the burial to take place is if the family gets a court order.

The deceased's family and relevant police official both approached the court after Friday prayers, after which Aamir Liaquat's family, Magistrate Naukar Abbas and Dr Samia reached the cold storage.

'Autopsy necessary'

Police officials decided to stop the burial of the politician, demanding the completion of an autopsy.

The televangelist was found unconscious in a locked room at his Karachi residence yesterday and passed away soon after.

Police personnel stated that it was important to know the cause of death and asked the administration at the cold storage to hand over his body to the Brigade police station.

Police officials directed that Aamir's mortal remains should not be handed over to anyone other than the police station and that legal action will be taken if the body was handed over to anyone else.

They also reached the storage room and tried to convince Aamir’s son to agree to the autopsy.

Aamir Liaquat’s family, however, denied the autopsy.

Read Forensic teams scour Aamir Liaquat's residence for 'evidence'

Preparations for his burial were underway as the funeral prayers were scheduled for 2pm at the premises of Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s mausoleum.

Syeda Bushra, the first wife of Aamir Liaquat took to social media and spoke about her former husband's untimely demise.

"My former husband Aamir Liaquat Hussain has passed away. His funeral prayer will be offered today after Friday prayer at 2pm at Jama Masjid Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Clifton and he will also be buried in the premises of the shrine," she wrote on Instagram last night.

However, the police's demand for an autopsy has delayed the burial.