Verdict reserved on Wasim Akhtar's acquittal pleas

KARACHI:

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday reserved its verdict on the acquittal pleas of former Sindh home adviser Wasim Akhtar in cases related to the May 12, 2007 violence, while granting the investigation officer (IO) a final opportunity to submit case property.

The hearing of six cases pertaining to the May 12 incident was held at the ATC complex inside Karachi Central Jail, where Akhtar and other accused appeared before the court.

The court expressed strong displeasure over the IO's failure to present case property, remarking that a last chance was being granted. It warned that if the case property is not produced at the next hearing, the trial will proceed without it.

The court reserved its verdict on two acquittal pleas filed by Akhtar after hearing arguments from defence counsel Mushtaq Ahmed and the special prosecutor. The verdict is expected on July 25.

According to police, the cases were registered in 2007. Akhtar has been accused of directing party workers to engage in rioting and firing, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people and injuries to several others.