Closing arguments: ‘Witnesses were unable to identify accused’

Qadir is accused of killing a driver and injuring five policemen in Lyari.

KARACHI: The prosecution and defence counsel for Qadir alias Dakait, accused of killing the driver of an armoured personnel carrier and injuring five policemen in Lyari, made their final arguments on Thursday.

While the defence counsel for Qadir argued that a number of witnesses had not been able to identify him, the prosecution stated that at least two police officers who were at the site testified against the accused.

Additionally, the prosecutor said that the accused had a “clear-cut role” in the attack and none of the witnesses had any enmity or personal disagreements with Qadir.

The prosecution was not able to finish the arguments on Thursday and will continue on September 24. It presented 17 witnesses over the course of the trial.

Qadir is accused of murder, attempted murder, assault or using criminal force to prevent public servants from working, using explosives and common intent. He also faces charges under sections 3 and 4 of the Explosives Act and section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Seven other men, Sheraz, Umar Kutchi, Rashid Rekha, Abdul Jabbar alias Jhengo, Wahid, Shamshad and Shahid, were also accused but have not been arrested. The case was filed at the Baghdadi police station.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2012.