Court extends remand of accused in Sharae Faisal riot case

KARACHI:

Judicial Magistrate South Zahid Ali extended the physical remand of 12 suspects for three days in a case involving rioting, police encounter, attempted murder, and vandalism on Sharae Faisal.

The accused, including Shehroz, Salman, Ali, Irshad, Zubair, Ali Muhammad, Ubaidullah, Zulfiqar Ali, Sajid Hussain, Owais, and Athar Ali, were produced before the magistrate after their initial remand expired.

Defense lawyers argued the case was baseless and demanded dismissal. The magistrate reserved judgment after hearing arguments, later ruling that the remand would be extended in accordance with law. He also directed the investigating officer to submit a progress report at the next hearing.

Lawyers filed an appeal against the remand before the District and Sessions Judge South, who transferred the plea to Additional District and Sessions Judge Irshad Hussain. That court ordered the magistrate to rehear defense counsel before issuing a fresh decision.

During proceedings, defense lawyers demanded the case be quashed, leading to heated exchanges. The magistrate remarked, "I have given my decision; you may protest outside if you wish." Lawyers responded with slogans against the court.