MQM Haqiqi chairman Afaq Ahmed released

WEB DESK: Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Chairman Afaq Ahmed walked free after his release on Tuesday following his bail in the case against him.

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.

Afaq Ahmed was presented before the Judicial Magistrate (West) earlier last week on February 17 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. He was granted bail on Tuesday after additional district and sessions West judge in Karachi heard a case against him.

The court also ordered him to pay for the surety bonds amounting to PKR100,000.

Decision reserved on Afaq Ahmed’s case discharge request

He was also booked in two more cases registered at Landhi and Awami Colony police stations under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), but came under ire again after his press conference on February 11, where he called out authorities, hinting their failure to stop the deaths of citizens in dumper accidents.

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.