MQM Centre Clash and Firing Case: Court Grants Bail to Two Accused

KARACHI: A District and Sessions Court East has granted bail to two accused in the case involving a clash and firing at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) centre in Bahadurabad.

The court announced its reserved verdict on the bail applications filed by Azhar alias Lamba and Zeeshan, approving their release on bail. The court directed both accused to submit surety bonds of Rs25,000 each.

According to police, around 20 to 25 people have been nominated in the case, which was registered at the New Town police station.

During arguments, defence counsel Hassan Sabir said the incident took place on August 2, while the FIR was registered two days later on August 4. He said three people were injured in the August 2 incident.

The lawyer argued that the clash and firing had taken place within a two-kilometre radius, yet the police remained unaware of the incident. He said the case was registered two days later on the basis of information allegedly provided by a special informant.

Hassan Sabir questioned how the New Town police could remain unaware of an incident in Bahadurabad and only learn about it two days later through an informant.

According to the defence, two suspects were arrested, but the prosecution had not clarified which group they allegedly belonged to. The lawyer also claimed that both accused were taken together and weapons were allegedly recovered from them.

The defence counsel maintained that all sections of the FIR were bailable except Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to attempted murder. He also questioned the investigating officer about the whereabouts of the alleged injured person in the attempted murder charge.

The court, after hearing the arguments, approved the bail applications of both accused and ordered them to furnish surety bonds of Rs25,000 each.