KARACHI; An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday extended the physical remand of Farhan Ghani, Chairman Chanesar Town and brother of Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, for three more days in a case pertaining to violence against a government employee.
Farhan Ghani, a senior PPP leader from Karachi, was arrested last week along with several others after being accused of attacking a government employee during a dispute in Chanesar Town. The case drew political attention due to his close ties with Sindh’s ruling party and his position as brother of a sitting provincial minister.
On Tuesday, the accused were once again presented before the ATC at the end of their initial four-day physical remand. Defence lawyer Waqar Abbasi filed his power of attorney on behalf of the accused, while the prosecution requested a two-day extension of remand for further investigation.
The court, however, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the investigation officer’s performance. The judge repeatedly questioned what progress had been made in the case so far, remarking: “You have done nothing till now. What will you achieve in three days? Where are the spy dogs? Are they capable of anything? Where are CIA and SIU?” The court further observed that investigators often “only know how to harass ordinary citizens” and questioned whether such cases were being pursued merely as a stepping stone for promotions.
After hearing arguments, the ATC granted police three more days of physical custody, directing that Farhan Ghani and the other accused be produced again on August 30. The court ordered investigators to ensure that a proper progress report is submitted at the next hearing “at all costs.”
The case has stirred debate in political circles, with PPP opponents accusing the party of shielding its leaders, while the defence maintains that the allegations are politically motivated. The upcoming hearing is expected to shed more light on the strength of the evidence gathered so far.
