Alleged TTP bomb expert sent to JC for 14 days

Qari Yousaf remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by Judicial Magistrate, West, Arif Rajput.

KARACHI: Qari Yousaf, allegedly the mastermind of the 2009 Mingora blast which claimed the lives of 17 members of the armed forces, was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by Judicial Magistrate, West, Arif Rajput on Thursday. Yousaf has been described by the CID police as a master trainer, instrumental in the suicide bombings in restive Swat.

He was produced before the court amid unprecedented security. The investigating officer requested physical custody under section 13D of the Arms Ordinance as the police alleged that they seized illegal arms and ammunition from his possession.

The JM rejected the request on the ground that in the present case no further investigations were required. The JM then ordered that Yousaf be remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

The CID police arrested Qari Yousaf from Mominabad, Orangi Town, on a tip-off that a fugitive from Swat involved in dozens of terrorist acts was hiding in the area. He had tried to run but was overpowered.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2010.