Non-bailable arrest warrant issued against Sarfraz Merchant

KARACHI: A local court on Wednesday issued non-bailable warrant of arrest against UK-based Pakistan businessman Sarfraz Merchant for his alleged involvement in an extortion case.

Two days earlier Merchant had recorded his statement with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding alleged funding of the Indian spy agency to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Complainant Zafar Faridi alleged that Merchant had extorted around Rs2.5 million from him while threatening him to file a fake case against him.

The complainant further alleged that Sarfraz Merchant had also snatched his vehicle on March 12, 2014. He claimed that a snatching of vehicle case was lodged against Merchant. In the said case, the police had showed him as absconder in the charge sheet. He mentioned that the alleged fraud case against the Merchant had already been lodged in the Darakhshan Police Station under Sections 420 and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code dealing with matters of cheating and forgery.

The Judicial Magistrate (South), who entertained the complaint, issued a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Sarfraz Merchant and directed the police to produce him in the court on April 21. Merchant is a suspect in the money laundering case against the MQM chief. Charge sheet filed by the police declares Merchant as a fugitive.