Police raid Qasim Suri’s residence in Quetta

Former NA deputy speaker was not present at his home at the time of raid, say police sources

QUETTA:

Balochistan Police on Friday conducted a raid at the residence of former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Khan Suri, located in the Hanna Urak area of Quetta, according to police sources.

However, they added that Suri was not present at his residence at the time of the raid. The police action came after an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) issued non-bailable arrest warrant for the former NA deputy speaker.

A senior police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the raid was conducted after Suri failed to appear before the court. He said that the PTI leader was wanted in two cases in connection with his alleged role in the May 9 incidents.

Earlier in the day, Ali Hassan Advocate, the counsel for Suri, submitted a bail application in the Balochistan High Court (BHC). However, the court rejected the application.

Hassan, talking to the media, said that the police were hesitant to furnish comprehensive details regarding the cases registered against Suri.

During the hearing, BHC’s Justice Kamran Malakhail expressed dissatisfaction with the petitioner's defence, asserting that they had completely failed to take advantage of the opportunities given by the court. “This clearly showed that they had nothing to say in their defence,” he added.

The judge further stated that the statements of the Advocate General and Prosecutor General of Balochistan indicated that there were criminal cases registered against the petitioner.