Police Present 2 Key Witnesses in Mustafa Murder Case
On the other hand, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended the physical remand of Armaghan Qureshi, the main suspect in the Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case
On Thursday, two crucial witnesses in the Mustafa Amir murder case were produced before a judicial magistrate.
The witnesses, Ghulam Mustafa and Zohaib, were employees of the prime suspect, Armaghan.
Their testimonies provided chilling details about the events surrounding the murder.
Ghulam Mustafa recounted that on January 6, a thin boy arrived at the premises around 9 PM. Later, he heard shouting, abusive language, and gunshots.
“He was wearing trousers and a jacket. I didn’t see his face,” the witness stated. An hour and a half later, he heard shouting and abusive language, followed by two or three gunshots.
“When we stepped out of the room, Armaghan called us over after checking the security cameras. He told us not to worry and asked us to bring a cloth and a plastic bag. We went upstairs with the items. He then instructed us to clean up the blood. There was also a pair of trousers there,” Ghulam Mustafa recounted.
He further testified that another boy, wearing glasses and sporting a light beard, was present upstairs with Armaghan.
“The boss made us clean the blood. The trousers had red floral patterns. He told us to put them in a bag and then ordered us to go back downstairs.”
“The stains had turned greyish. The police lifted the carpet and found blood underneath. They even cut pieces of the carpet as evidence.” Ghulam Mustafa added that they also showed the police a bullet hole in the wall.
Ghulam Mustafa identified both Armaghan and Shiraz as the suspects involved in the crime during the court proceedings.
Defence lawyers Abid Zaman and Khurram Abbas represented Armaghan and Shiraz, respectively.
The investigation officer requested the recording of statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court proceedings are ongoing, with further developments expected.
The case continues to draw significant public attention, with the family of Mustafa Amir demanding justice and criticizing the handling of the investigation. The involvement of high-ranking officials and potential police misconduct have added complexity to the case.
On the other hand, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended the physical remand of Armaghan Qureshi, the main suspect in the Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case, along with another suspect Shiraz Bukhari for another five days for another five days.
This is the second extension — with the first one being awarded on February 22 — in Armaghan’s initial four-day physical remand allowed on February 18.
During today’s hearing, the prosecution urged the court to extend the remand, while the investigating officer informed the court that the girl allegedly tortured by the suspects had been located and that her statement needed to be recorded.
Additionally, witness statements would be documented under Section 164 of the CrPC.
Armaghan’s lawyer opposed the police’s request for an extension, while the suspect claimed he had been subjected to inhumane treatment, deprived of food, and denied restroom access for ten days. However, the court dismissed these claims as unrealistic, with the judge remarking, “A person cannot even stand if they aren’t allowed to go to the washroom for ten days.”
The defence further demanded prior notification before recording witness statements and requested a medical examination of the suspect. The prosecution countered that the case had sparked nationwide outrage and that Armaghan was also being investigated for possible links to money laundering and drug trafficking.
Moreover, the investigating officer (IO) informed the court that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had been formed for the high-profile case, with Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muqaddas Haider leading the probe.
Following deliberations, the court allowed Armaghan’s parents to meet him but instructed that any disorder during the meeting should be reported immediately.
The court also ordered a medical examination of the suspect and extended the remand of Armaghan and co-accused Shiraz for five more days.
Separately, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional IG Karachi Police Javed Alam Odho, CIA DIG, AVCC SSP, and SIU SSP have been summoned to the Chief Minister’s House.
During the meeting, Odho is expected to brief officials on the progress of the investigation and outline the future course of action.
