Decision reserved on Afaq Ahmed’s case discharge request

KARACHI: A judicial magistrate in Karachi has reserved the verdict on a plea seeking the discharge of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) chairman Afaq Ahmed from a case registered against him at the Surjani Town police station.

It was said that he was arrested in connection with a case registered against him at the Landhi police station while many linked his arrest to a statement he made on February 10 during a press conference claiming that dumper trucks had killed 92 people since January Karachi. Afaq Ahmed was taken into custody on charges of rioting and setting tankers on fire.

Ahmed was presented before the Judicial Magistrate (West) on Monday as proceedings continued regarding his alleged involvement in the case. His counsel argued for his release, stating that there was no substantial evidence linking him to the charges.

Speedy dumper crushes three youths in Karachi

The prosecution, however, opposed the request, insisting that the case must proceed as per legal requirements. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its decision, which is expected to be announced in the coming days.

A prominent political figure in Karachi, he was booked under charges that remain undisclosed. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the nature of the allegations.

It is worth noting that during the press conference, a police contingent arrived and Afaq had asked a police officer whether they had come to arrest him, to which the officer replied that they were there to provide him security. Police sources said Afaq Ahmed was arrested in connection with a case registered against him at the Landhi police station.

Earlier, the Sindh government had banned the entry of dumpers into the vicinity of Karachi city during the day, permitting their access only between 11pm and 6 am. The decision was made during a traffic accident review meeting chaired by Sindh’s chief secretary on the directives of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.