Matta police station attack: Sufi Muhammad acquitted over lack of evidence

Counsel argued that as evidence against his client could not be produced, he should be released.

PESHAWAR: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday acquitted Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e- Mohammadi (TNSM) chief Sufi Muhammad due to a lack of evidence regarding his involvement in the attack on Matta police station.

During the hearing, which took place inside the central prison due to security concerns, Muhammad’s Counsel Adil argued that as evidence against his client could not be produced, Muhammad should be released.

Muhammad was charged under sections 324, 353, 354, 120(b) 121 and 122 of the Pakistan Penal Code along with Section 7 of the Anti- Terrorism Act for allegedly attacking Matta police station in Swat in 1995. More than a dozen police personnel sustained injuries in the incident.

ATC judge Muhammad Shoaib accepted Adil’s request and cleared the TNSM chief from the charges. However, more than a dozen cases against Sufi Muhammad are still being heard.