ATC pulls up IO, prosecutor in Justice Baqar attack case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) hearing the 2013 attack case involving Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar has directed the investigating officer (IO) and prosecutor to ensure their presence at the next hearing.

The case was heard at the Anti-Terrorism Complex inside Karachi Central Jail. Accused Yasir, Masoom Billa and Muavia appeared before the court along with their lawyers.

The court expressed displeasure over the absence of the IO, who arrived only after the hearing had concluded. The state prosecutor was also not present during the proceedings.

The court directed both the IO and prosecutor to ensure their attendance at the next hearing.

The court was informed that the statements of the remaining witnesses would be completed after the IO recorded his statement.

According to police, the accused were allegedly involved in an attack on the convoy of Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar in June 2013 as he was travelling to the Sindh High Court. Seven people, including security personnel deployed with Justice Baqar, were killed in the attack, while the attacker was also killed.

Justice Baqar and several others sustained serious injuries in the attack.