ATC Extends Physical Remand of PPP Leader Farhan Ghani in Government Employee Torture Case

Karachi: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has extended the physical remand of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Chiniasar Town Chairman Farhan Ghani — brother of Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani — for another three days in a case involving the alleged torture of a government employee.

Farhan Ghani, along with other accused, was produced before the administrative judge of the ATC after the expiry of their initial four-day remand. During the hearing, defense counsel Waqar Abbasi submitted the power of attorney on behalf of the accused, while the prosecution requested an additional two days of remand.

The court, however, expressed strong displeasure at the investigating officer, questioning the progress made in the investigation. The judge remarked, *“What progress have you made so far? What will you do in three more days when nothing has been done yet? Where are the sniffer dogs — have they died? They can detect narcotics, but what about this case? Where are CIA and SIU? Have they all disappeared?”*

The judge further reprimanded the investigators, stating, *“You only know how to harass common citizens. Do you think you will be promoted to DSP after this case?”*

During the proceedings, the issue of “Ajrak number plates” was also raised. The judge noted that even a fellow judge had applied for such a plate but, despite paying the required fees, applicants continued to suffer.

The investigating officer informed the court that the complainant had not yet produced witnesses, prompting the judge to rebuke him further, saying, *“If the complainant isn’t presenting witnesses, are you his servant?”*

Subsequently, the ATC extended the remand of Farhan Ghani and the other accused until August 30 and directed the police to submit a detailed progress report at the next hearing.