Court gives JUI-F Islamabad chief 15-day physical remand in terrorism case
An Islamabad anti-terrorism court has sent Awais Aziz, head of the JUI-F Islamabad chapter, on 15 days physical remand. Police had asked for 30 days in a case registered at Sangjani police station.
- Anti-terrorism court approved 15 days physical remand for Awais Aziz, Ameer of JUI-F Islamabad.
- Police had asked for 30 days for interrogation.
- The case is registered at Sangjani police station under anti-terrorism laws.
- The defence said the FIR came three days after the event.
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has sent Awais Aziz, the Ameer of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) Islamabad chapter, on 15 days physical remand in a terrorism-related case. 24 News reported the decision on Wednesday. Express News gave his name as Maulana Awais Aziz, while 24 News called him Mufti Awais Aziz.
Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case. Mr Aziz was taken into custody in Islamabad and presented before the court. The prosecutor, Raja Naveed Hussain, had asked for 30 days of remand for further investigation, but the court granted 15.
A case has been registered against him at Sangjani police station under terrorism sections. According to 24 News, police accuse the JUI-F leader of leading illegal gatherings, blocking roads and clashing with police personnel.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain told the court that people were encouraged at the event to block GT Road, residents were confined to their homes and fear was spread. 24 News reported that he also said a JUI-F-backed mob held a political gathering and broke window panes of vehicles.
Mr Aziz's lawyer, Senator Kamran Murtaza, appeared in court. He said the FIR was registered three days after the event. The defence asked for proof of the claims, including those about the broken glass of a government vehicle and about incitement.
Mr Murtaza told the court: "If there is evidence, let the court grant remand, otherwise this is a violation of human rights" (translated from Urdu). The defence said that without proof the remand would be illegal.
Background
An Islamabad anti-terrorism court granted bail on 3 November to lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in a separate case over allegations of blocking a road and clashing with police, as khabr.pk reported.
Why it matters for Pakistan
The case involves the head of a political party's chapter in the capital, and the charges relate to a road blockade on GT Road near Islamabad. Residents and travellers using that road are named in the prosecution's account, which says people were kept in their homes. The remand period will determine how long the police can question him in custody.
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