Imran Farooq murder case: FIA, federal govt to confirm if Moazzam can be released on bail

Suspect Moazzam Ali Khan was detained by the Rangers for 90 days


Our Correspondent July 17, 2015
Late MQM leader Dr Imran Farooq. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed the federal government and the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) director-general on Thursday to file their replies confirming whether or not Moazzam Ali Khan, a prime suspect behind the murder of Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Dr Imran Farooq, can be released on bail.

Headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, a division bench called for the comments specifically from the federal authorities by July 30.

The suspect's wife, Sadia Bano, had approached the high court with a request to release her husband on bail since his 90-day detention by the Rangers had expired. She said the paramilitary troops had arrested Khan on April 12 and was had detained him under 90-day preventive detention for questioning under Section 11EEEE (1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.

The petitioner claimed that the detention period of the suspect had ended on July 13, but he was illegally handed over to FIA officials for further interrogation in the MQM leader murder case.

In the plea, she had requested the court order the authorities produce Khan in court. The court was also pleaded to order his release on bail.

During Thursday's proceedings, the federal law officer said he cannot file comments on behalf of the federal authorities since they were not made parties in the case.

To this, Bano's lawyer assured to file the amended title of the plea, naming the federal government and the FIA specifically as respondents. He sought time to doing so, and the judges allowed him time.

The hearing was adjourned till July 30. Meanwhile, the office was directed to issue notices to the federal government and the FIA to file their comments once the amended title of the plea has been filed.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2015.

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