In a case relating to assault and threats against government employees, Farhan Ghani, the town chairman and brother of Sindh minister Saeed Ghani, appeared before Karachi’s Anti-Terrorism Court alongside other defendants.
The defense attorney argued during the proceedings that the accused had obeyed the court’s order to appear and requested that their plea be accepted. The court responded by questioning why the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) sections were included if they were later removed, pointing out that a magistrate could have heard the case directly.
The defense also requested that the magistrate be instructed to review the case. On the plea, the court made it clear that an order would be issued in compliance with the law.
At a certain point, the defense attorney told the judge that his client had to make the Umrah journey. The judge then confronted Farhan Ghani directly about his trip schedule. He explained to the court that he would leave early the next day and be back by September 19.
Ghani replied in the affirmative when the court asked if his tickets were confirmed. The court initially recommended that the next hearing be held on September 20, but at Ghani’s request, it was moved to September 22.
The defense attorney also requested that his client be excused from appearing at the subsequent hearing; however, the court denied the oral request, stating that police reports would be used to make a decision. The hearing was then postponed until September 22.
