ATC sends Pashteen on seven-day physical remand

Judge dismisses objections raised by PTM counsel

ISLAMABAD:

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Thursday sent Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Pashteen on a seven-day physical remand.

The counsel of the PTM leader protested and said that Pashteen has the right to organise rallies, pointing out that his car had been fired upon in Balochistan and he was 'kidnapped' three days before he was presented in court.

The lawyer contended that such circumstances do not warrant a physical remand. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain dismissed the objection raised by the PTM's counsel.

Previously, Pashteen was arrested after his guards allegedly opened fire on police in Chaman when they tried to stop him at a checkpost.

Read: Manzoor Pashteen booked under terrorism charges for anti-military speech

A first information report (FIR) was lodged against Pashteen by police in Chaman, stating that four people were injured as the PTM leader's guards allegedly opened fire.

The accusation was denied by the PTM which accused the police of opening unprovoked fire at the vehicle of Pashteen.

Last year Pashteen was booked on charges of treason and terrorism by the Punjab police following his anti-military speech at the Asma Jahangir Conference.