In a recent development, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted a one-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Information Secretary Raoof Hasan to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). The decision, announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, comes amid a high-profile terrorism case that has captured public attention.
Court Proceedings and Requests
The hearing on Friday saw Judge Supra announce the reserved verdict after reviewing Hasan’s petition for bail. Despite the plea, the court decided that Hasan would be presented again the following day, following the completion of his initial two-day physical remand.
Raoof Hasan was initially taken into custody by the CTD on July 31. During the hearing, Prosecutor Raja Naveed requested an additional seven-day physical remand, arguing that further investigation was necessary to identify other co-accused individuals. “Raoof Hasan’s custody is required to gain access to the suspects,” Naveed informed the court.
Defense and Health Concerns
Hasan’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, contested the prosecutor’s request, emphasizing that no incriminating evidence, such as gunpowder, was found on Hasan. Bukhari highlighted that Hasan had already been in custody for two days without any recovery of evidence. He demanded that the complainant’s statement be presented in court.
Bukhari also raised serious health concerns, stating that Hasan is unable to climb stairs and requires daily medication. He warned that Hasan’s health could deteriorate rapidly without his medication, and therefore, he urged the court to consider releasing him.
Other Legal Developments
In a related matter, Judge Supra also denied the bail petition of PTI’s coordinator for international media, Ahmad Waqas Janjua, indicating a stringent approach towards individuals linked with the case.
Interestingly, just a day earlier, Hasan had been granted bail in a separate anti-state propaganda case upon posting bail bonds worth Rs50,000. This case saw Hasan and others taken into custody by the Islamabad Police on July 22 before being handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).