Magistrate refuses to hand PTI activists to police custody

Sends 24 on judicial remand to jail in Jan 18 case

KARACHI:

Judicial Magistrate of the East district on Wednesday turned down the request of the police to extend the physical remand of PTI activists under arrest for alleged vandalism and sedition on January 18 and sent them to jail on judicial remand.

Police had hauled away dozens of PTI supporters when they tried to hold a public gathering at a point of their choice on the arrival of K-P Chief Minister in Sindh earlier this month.

The 24 accused, including Shah Faisal Town Chairman Gohar Khattak, were presented before the magistrate in the case, which involves allegations of property damage and provocative actions aimed at stirring unrest against government bodies. Police officials informed the judge that Gohar Khattak and the other 23 suspects were arrested by Shah Faisal police on January 18.

The investigating officer requested a two-day physical remand for further investigation. When asked by the court whether any police official had been injured or police vehicles damaged during the incident, the officer responded in the negative. However, he added that police were still in the process of apprehending the absconding suspects involved in the case.

The court, after hearing the arguments, refused the request and sent the accused to jail on judicial remand. A minor among the arrested suspects was also sent to jail on the very first day of proceedings.