ATC once again issues NBWs for MQM leaders

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has once again issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders in the cases of provocative speech and anti-state activities.

The warrants have been issued for Dr Farooq Sattar, Amir Khan, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain and they have also been ordered to appear before the court on the next hearing.

The judge expressed his displeasure over the failure of their arrest, saying that SSP Rao Anwar had failed to apprehend the absconding accused. The court also took notice of the absence of the investigation officer from the hearing.

The judge commented that MQM workers were being rounded up in these cases but the absconding leaders who used to appear on TV screens were not being arrested by the IO.

 The judge remarked that the police officials should clarify if they had powers to arrest the absconding accused; otherwise the court would consider other options.

 

Saleem Shehzad’s bail

The judicial magistrate (East) granted bail to former MQM leader Saleemul Haque alias Saleem Shehzad in the sum of Rs500,000.

Shehzad, who is facing a terror case and four reopened cases, is accused of taking part in riots and violent activities. He has now been granted bail in one of the four cases.

 

TTP activists jailed

Two activists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban, Qari Saif and Ikram, have been sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment (each) by the judicial magistrate (Malir) in cases pertaining to police encounter, murder attempts and possession of illegal arms.