JIT report made part of ATC trial against Dr Asim, others

The anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday accepted a plea of the paramilitary Rangers for making a joint investigation team (JIT) report a part of a trial against Dr Asim Hussain, Anis Qaimkhani, Usman Moazzam and other men over terrorism charges.

The court ordered the submission of the original copy of the JIT report till May 15. The ATC also admitted an application moved on behalf of Dr Asim Hussain, a Pakistan Peoples Party leader and former federal minister, to exempt him from appearance. The trial was put off till May 15.

Qaimkhani, Qadir Patel and Rauf Siddiqui were present in the courtroom. Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, who is also a co-accused in the case, has also been granted exemption from appearance due to his official engagements.

The court is hearing the acquittal plea of another co-accused and former MQM leader Saleem Shehzad. On Thursday, the court preferred to adjourn the hearing on his plea. Almost all the accused, including political leaders of different parties, are on bail.