The Anti-Terrorism Court in Karachi has extended the physical remand of Farhan Ghani, brother of Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Chairman of Chanesar Town, along with other accused, for an additional three days in a case involving the assault of a government official.
During the hearing, the accused were produced before the court under strict security. The court extended its remand and ordered that they be presented again on August 30. The judge also directed the investigating officer to submit a progress report on the investigation at the next hearing.
According to the complainant, fiber optic cable installation work was underway on a service road when the accused first exchanged harsh words with the officials and later resorted to physical assault. The state prosecutor argued that the work was being carried out in the national interest and that the accused tried to disrupt it.
At the previous hearing, Farhan Ghani had denied all allegations, claiming that he had not assaulted anyone. He stated that as he passed by, he merely stopped to ask what work was being carried out and under whose authorization. As the Town Chairman, he argued, it was his responsibility to stop illegal excavation. He said he had asked for the permit for road digging, which was not provided.
Earlier, the court had questioned why anti-terrorism provisions were included in this case. The prosecutor explained that since the complainant and other government officials were physically attacked, the inclusion of anti-terrorism charges was justified.
