Two magistrates examined in doctor brothers' case

An Anti Terrorism Court in Karachi on Wednesday adjourned hearing of trial against Dr Akmal Waheed and his brother Dr Arshad Waheed after examination of two prosecution witnesses. Dr Akmal Waheed, a cardiac specialist of NICVD and Dr Arshad Waheed, a kidney physician of JMPC are facing charges for sheltering al Qaeda, Jundullah activists, providing them funds and medical treatment.
Judicial Magistrate Zahid Methelo, who had been examined earlier, stated that he conducted identification parade in respect of accused Shehzad Ahmed Bajwa, who identified by Dr Saqib and Syed Ali Murtaza, X-ray technician as person who was given treatment at Bismillah Taqi Hospital, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.
He, however, admitted during cross-examination that the Identification parade was not held in case in which the doctor brothers are involved but it pertained to Ranger van firing case.
He further admitted that Identification parade was held in the court whereas the witnesses and the accused were sitting outside in the courtyard of Judicial complex in Jail prior to holding of the identification test.
Magistrate acknowledged he did not know since how long those persons were sitting there or if the police had shown the accused persons before holding of the Identification parade.
Another witness of prosecution, Judicial Magistrate Rajab Ali Shar testified he recorded confession of Shehzad Ahmed Bajwa and Ataur Rehman, who are nominated in the case of attack on Corps Commander convoy. He produced the two judicial confessions.
The production of confessions was objected by defence on the grounds that under Article 43 Qanun-e-Shahadat confessions are relevant only when the accused are tried jointly in the same offence.
It was contended in the case of attack on Corps Commander convoy the Doctor brothers have been exonerated and acquitted by court on lack of evidence.
ATC judge Feroz Mehmood Bhatti, who is conducting the trial in central jail Karachi, after statement of Magistrate adjourned hearing till January 1, 2005 for want of time. The cross-examination on witness will be completed on next hearing.
Prosecution was conducted by Special Public Prosecutor I.A. Hashmi who was assisted by Maula Bux Bhatti while the Defence team comprised of M. Ilyas Khan and Muhammad Farooq, Advocates.