Former ATC Judge Appeals to SC Over Revoked Powers in Mustafa Amir Murder Case

Former Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge Syed Zakir Hussain has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court Karachi Registry in the Mustafa Amir murder case, following the revocation of his administrative powers for refusing to grant physical remand for the accused, Armaghan.

The Supreme Court has accepted the petition for hearing and scheduled it before a three-member bench.

As reported, notices have been issued to the Prosecutor General of Sindh, Advocate General, and the complainant as part of the appeal process.

Judge Zakir Hussain’s petition challenges the SHC’s remarks against him, arguing that he was not given an opportunity to defend himself, which violates Article 10-A of Pakistan’s Constitution guaranteeing a fair trial and due process.

He seeks dismissal of these remarks to protect his judicial career from negative impacts.

Background of the Case

The case involves the murder of Mustafa Amir, allegedly by his friend Armaghan, who was arrested after a police raid in Karachi’s Defense area. Investigations revealed that Mustafa was tortured and killed, with his body burned and disposed of in Malir.

The controversy arose when Judge Zakir Hussain opted for judicial remand instead of physical remand for Armaghan during the initial hearing, citing procedural concerns.

This decision was overturned by the Sindh High Court (SHC), which approved all remand requests and criticized procedural inconsistencies in the ATC order.

SHC’s Criticism

The SHC found irregularities in Judge Hussain’s handling of remand requests and alleged unauthorized changes to official documents.

It also noted delays in investigation caused by his decisions, including altering police custody orders to judicial custody using correction fluid.

The court deemed these actions as judicial overreach and ordered the withdrawal of his administrative powers.