Court orders release of disabled 'protester'

ATC judge condemns mishandling of case by Taxila police

RAWALPINDI:

Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Special Anti-Terrorism Court has rejected the physical remand request for 20-year-old Farman, a man with physical disabilities, and ordered his immediate release.

Farman was arrested on November 24 by Taxila police during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.

During the hearing, Advocate Shandana Bibi voluntarily appeared in court and adopted the stance that Farman was not only physically disabled but also mentally unsound.

She emphasised that he had no understanding of politics and struggled to communicate effectively.

Farman had been wrongfully arrested by the Taxila police, allegedly to inflate arrest statistics, with no valid justification. His identity card and a medical certificate confirming his disabilities were submitted to the court.

The judge condemned the actions of the Taxila police and expressed concern over the handling of the case. Farman, who had been brought to court in handcuffs, was subsequently released.