Islamabad ATC hands Mushtaq Ahmad to police on 3-day physical remand in protest case

ISLAMABAD: In a case connected to a protest, former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and another suspect named Daniyal were handed over to the police on a three-day physical remand by an anti-terrorism court (ATC). The police presented the former senator and Daniyal before Duty Judge Rukhsanda Shaheen at the ATC, where the prosecution sought a 30-day physical remand, arguing that the police required the recovery of a vehicle and weapons connected to the case.

Following the hearing, the court granted the police a three-day physical remand for Mushtaq and the other suspects, instructing their production before the court upon the conclusion of the remand period. The FIR for this case was registered on July 31 at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station following a complaint from Sub-inspector Ghulam Murtaza.

The FIR alleges that Mushtaq and hundreds of others gathered in Islamabad’s F-10 and incited violence, forcing shops to close, and chanting anti-government slogans. The protest was expected to march towards Main Jinnah Avenue Road, prompting the district administration to order Mushtaq to disperse the gathering without a no-objection certificate.

This led to protesters blocking a main road near Shalimar Plaza, allegedly vandalizing a media DSNG vehicle, attacking police officials, and snatching away anti-riot helmets. Mushtaq's Pakistan Rights Movement (PRM) alleged that he was detained by Punjab police on July 28 while returning from Azad Pattan Bridge. Punjab police officials did not respond to calls regarding Mushtaq's custody, while Dawn's sources spoke anonymously denying his presence in their custody.

Mushtaq announced a gathering in Islamabad’s F-10 the following day to express condolences and solidarity with Kashmir and promote peace and reconciliation. Activists in Lahore were also detained while holding a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the proscribed JAAC.