The Anti-Terrorism Court has extended the physical remand of accused Armaghan Qureshi, arrested in the Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case, for another five days.
According to national media, the public prosecutor requested an extension of the suspects’ physical remand, while the investigating officer informed the court that the girl who was tortured by the suspects has been found, and her statement is to be recorded today.
Witness statements under Section 164 also need to be documented. The defense lawyer opposed the police request for an extension of the remand, while the accused Armaghan stated that he was being subjected to continuous torture, was not being given food, and had not been allowed to use the restroom for 10 days.
The court, however, responded that this was impossible, as a person who had not used the restroom for 10 days would not even be able to stand. Armaghan’s lawyer requested that they be notified before any statements of the accused or witnesses are recorded.
He also stated that there was a four-hour police encounter, and Armaghan’s mother had made him surrender, so her statement should be recorded. Additionally, he demanded a medical check-up for Armaghan.
The investigating officer stated that a DNA test of the victim girl needs to be conducted, while the public prosecutor argued that the case has caused nationwide uproar. Investigations into money laundering and drug smuggling involving the suspects must be carried out, as the accused is highly cunning and not cooperating with the investigation.
The prosecutor requested that no meetings be allowed until the investigation is complete. Armaghan’s lawyer countered that if an accused refuses to give a statement under Section 164, they are placed in judicial custody.
In response, the court clarified that judicial custody is given when an accused confesses, and the magistrate recording the statement is aware of legal requirements. The court granted permission for Armaghan’s parents to meet him, despite the public prosecutor’s objection that such meetings often lead to conflicts.
The court ordered that if any disturbance occurs, it should be reported immediately. The court extended the physical remand of suspects Armaghan Qureshi and Shiraz for five more days and instructed that their medical check-ups be conducted.
