While announcing a verdict on two pleas filed by ex-home minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday pronounced its verdict on both the pleas filed, dismissing one and directing him to record a statement at Darakhshan police station. The ATC judge dismissed Dr Mirza's plea in which he requested the court to appoint an honest investigation officer to conduct probe into cases registered against him. Meanwhile, on the second plea in which he requested the court to allow him to record a statement before the court or at his residence, the ATC judge directed him to record his statement at Darakhshan police station.
In the pleas, the Mirza's counsel requested the court that his client could not visit police station which is located in Jamshed Quarters, as he faces life threats. It is pertinent to mention here that Mirza was summoned on 10 May by senior superintendent (SSP) of special crime branch to appear at police station as he was required for investigation.
Dr Mirza has been charged with causing damaged to a police station and forcing closure of shops during protests in Badin. This controversy started on May 3 when Dr Mirza arrived at Badin police station when he allegedly disturbed security personnel who were trying to arrest his support and registering an FIR against him. Mirza is currently on bail as the ATC had granted him a pre-arrest bail in three cases on 9 May against the surety bond of Rs 100,000. Later on 12 May, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had also granted him bail on payment of the sum of Rs 100,000 in a rioting case.