Two suspects remanded in MQM-P headquarters violence case in Karachi

KARACHI - The administrative judge overseeing the antiterrorism courts granted custody on Saturday to two individuals implicated in the violent clash at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan's Bahadurabad headquarters. Suspects Zeeshan Habib and Azhar, also known as Lamba, were brought before the court and ordered to remain in police custody pending further questioning.

Advocate Hassan Sabir, representing the detained suspects, challenged the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, asserting that the offenses did not fall under the purview of anti-terror law. He contended that the detainees were grappling with various health issues and required immediate medical attention. The investigating officer contended that the altercation erupted among party workers at the headquarters on August 2nd and involved firearms, instilling fear and apprehension among local residents.

After considering both arguments and reviewing the evidence, the administrative judge opted for physical remand of the suspects until August 11th. The investigation officer was instructed to bring the detainees back to court along with a progress report. The FIR was lodged by the New Town police, naming Habib, Lamba, and 20-25 unidentified individuals under Sections 324 (attempted murder), 188 (disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant), and 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) of the Pakistan Penal Code.