GDA leader Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi produced before ATC

SUKKUR: Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi was produced before the Naushahro Feroze Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), which ordered his transfer to Civil Hospital, Naushahro Feroze, for two and set February 20 as the next date of hearing.

Jatoi, arrested a day earlier at the District and Sessions Court gate in Naushahro Feroze, was initially shifted to B-Section Police Station in Nawabshah. After spending the night there, he was brought before the court on Tuesday.

Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, a senior politician, GDA leader, and former federal minister, is facing a murder case involving Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) worker Bilawal Zardari. The incident occurred at the Ali Bakhsh Solangi polling station in Moro during the general elections.

Jatoi was transported from Phul police station to the court in an armoured vehicle while handcuffed. Expressing displeasure, the judge ordered the removal of the handcuffs.

Jatoi’s lawyers, Irshad Jatoi and Abdullah Korai presented their arguments, while Advocate Muhammad Ayaz Marri represented the police. During the hearing, police from Badah and Dokri stations in Larkana district requested custody, claiming Jatoi was wanted in their jurisdiction. Additionally, the heirs of Bilawal Zardari filed an application opposing bail for Jatoi.

After hearing arguments, the court set February 20 as the next hearing date and remanded Jatoi to jail custody for two days. It also directed that he be transferred to Civil Hospital, Naushahro Feroze, under jail custody. Following the order, Jatoi was first moved to jail and later to the hospital.

Meanwhile, National People’s Party workers gathered in large numbers outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in Naushahro Feroze city. A heavy police presence disrupted traffic on Naushahro Feroze Padaidan Road, causing inconvenience to patients visiting nearby private medical centres.

Naveen Jatoi, wife of Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, and his brother, former provincial minister Masroor Jatoi, accused the PPP government of political victimization. They claimed the case against Jatoi was fabricated as revenge and vowed not to bow to oppression.