Post-mortem report confirms Aftab's torture

KARACHI: Multiple torture marks were found on Muttahida Qaumi Movement worker Aftab Ahmed’s body, a postmortem report confirmed on Thursday.

Over 35 percent of the body was covered in bruises and abrasions, the postmortem report, a copy of which is available with Geo News said.

Bruises in reddish and reddish black colours were present at various parts of the body including the chest, thighs, skull and buttocks, the report said.

The skin had received multiple abrasions, it added.

A nail of the left toe was partially torn off, it stated.

The ankles of the body were swollen and red, the report said.

The postmortem report said that the cause of death could not be ascertained.

Specimens of various body parts had been sent for lab tests, a Geo News reporter confirmed.

The autopsy took place in the presence of magistrate Kaleemullah Kalhor.

Aftab Ahmed was reportedly detained by law enforcement personnel in plainclothes during a raid near Mukka Chowk in Federal B Area on Sunday evening.

He was presented before a judge of the anti-terrorism court on Monday by the paramilitary Rangers force. The court had granted the Rangers' request for a 90-day preventive detention.

On Tuesday he was rushed to the Jinnah Hospital where he was announced dead on arrival.

The MQM had claimed that Aftab Ahmed who was also coordinator of senior leader Farooq Sattar had died in Rangers’ custody. The Army Chief ordered an inquiry into the death of the MQM worker on Wednesday.

The party held several peaceful protests in the city denouncing the murder as the paramilitary remained tightlipped over the situation maintaining that Aftab Ahmed had died of a heart attack.

Aftab Ahmed was buried on Tuesday at the Shuhada Graveyard at Yaseenabad where the party honours its martyrs. His body was brought to the Numaish Chowrangi, where his funeral prayers were attended by thousands of MQM supporters.

Aftab was buried enclosed in a coffin, as his body had been mutiliated, Farooq Sattar said.  

Speaking to Geo News at the funeral Sattar said, “If he was wanted in a crime he should have been tried in court,” he said.

“Aftab Ahmed was being forced to change party loyalties,” he added

According to an MQM press statement, Aftab Ahmed leaves behind his wife, three daughters and two sons.