Anti-Terrorism Court Discharges 32 Arrested from D-Chowk Protest
Islamabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has discharged 32 individuals arrested during a protest at D-Chowk led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The detainees were brought before ATC Judge Abu Al-Hasanat Zulqarnain late at night for an identification parade. The suspects had been transported from Jhelum Jail. Judge Zulqarnain expressed displeasure over the delay in presenting the accused. Advocate Ansar Kayani represented the detainees during the hearing.
The investigative officer informed the court that the suspects were arrested on November 25 but had not undergone an identification parade. He requested a 30-day physical remand for each of the detainees. However, defense lawyer Ansar Kayani argued that the police had detained laborers from their homes merely to fulfill arrest quotas.
During the proceedings, Judge Zulqarnain ordered the removal of the detainees’ handcuffs and dismissed all charges against them. He issued a stern warning to the police, stating, “If these individuals are arrested again, I will ensure the police officers responsible are handcuffed themselves.”
It is worth noting that the police had previously claimed these individuals were involved in cases registered at the I-9 and Margalla police stations following the D-Chowk protest.