Karachi ATC Sends MQM-H Chairman Afaq Ahmed to Judicial Remand
Afaq Ahmed was taken into custody on Tuesday, following reports of two arson incidents in Karachi
A Karachi anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday denied the police’s request for the physical remand of Muhajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed, instead placing him on judicial remand.
Afaq was arrested in connection with two arson incidents in Karachi’s Awami Colony and Landhi areas, where unidentified individuals allegedly set cargo trucks on fire.
However, the court questioned the validity of the terrorism charges in the case.
As reported, he was taken into custody on Tuesday evening from his residence in Karachi, following reports of three cargo vehicles and a water tanker being torched in different areas of Karachi.
The police presented him in court seeking physical remand, which the ATC denied.
During the hearing, the judge expressed doubts about the allegations, asking, “On what basis was the terrorism clause applied?” He further stated that if the case lacked sufficient evidence, it could be dismissed entirely.
The court also criticized the political nature of arrests, observing that imprisoning politicians often boosts their popularity.
“A gentleman is already in jail and remains uncontrollable, and now another is being told to leave, yet he refuses,” the judge remarked.
Protests over heavy traffic accidents in Karachi turned violent on Tuesday.
The metropolis is experiencing severe unrest as citizens, frustrated with heavy traffic and accidents involving heavy vehicles, have taken matters into their own hands. This has led to multiple incidents of freight trucks and water tankers being set on fire.
On Tuesday morning enraged individuals set fire to two freight trucks in Landhi, however, no casualties were reported, but the cargo on the freight trucks was destroyed.
Another attempted arson at Al-Karam Square was thwarted by locals and police.
Police reported that a truck was torched in Korangi No. 6.
