Release orders of Afaq Ahmed issued in 2001 kidnapping case

KARACHI: Anti-Terrorism Court-II, Karachi, Tuesday issued release orders of Chairman of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi Afaq Ahmed in kidnapping case of 2001, Geo News reported.

Judge Khalida Yaseen, who was conducting trial issued orders today in the case whose verdict was pronounced on November 26, 2011 after hearing arguments from prosecution & defense sides.

MQM-H Chief was formally arrested on Oct 6, 2011 in case pertaining to kidnapping of Jameel Ahmed for ransom within limits of Korangi police station, Karachi, in 2001.

PPI adds: According to prosecution, victim Jameel Khan was called at Bait-ul-Hamza, then headquarters of MQM-H, where he was allegedly abducted & kidnappers demanded ransom for his safe released. Case (FIR 201/2001) was registered US 365-A, 109 & 34 PPC read with Section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Afaq, who is in jail since April 2004 was granted bail by Sindh High Court on Sept 26, 2011 in last of cases against him, but authorities disallowed his release, detained him under Maintenance of Public Order MPO for one month.

On Oct 6, 2011 police through application informed court that Afaq Ahmed was identified as one of two absconders in kidnapping case lodged against him in 2001.

Applicant's counsel argued it was politically motivated case since his client was not nominated in FIR. He contended case was registered in 2001 but applicant, who was imprisoned since April 2004 was arrested in present case only last month when he got bail or acquitted in all other cases against him.

Counsel maintained there was no evidence against his client while court had already acquitted two other accused, including former member of Sindh Assembly Younus Khan for want of evidence. He prayed to court to allow bail application.

Opposing bail plea, Public Prosecutor argued sufficient evidence was available against applicant, therefore, application was not maintainable at this stage.

Counsel appearing on behalf of complainant Jameel Ahmed also argued enough evidence against applicant to prove his guilt as senior officer of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh had deposed in his statement that captive got released after negotiations with applicant & Younus Khan had handed victim over to Rangers. He also prayed to dismiss bail plea.

On Saturday, Judge Khalida Yasin pronounced verdict, granting bail to applicant Afaq Ahmed in sum of Rs 500, 000. Judge also ordered his release, if custody not required in any other case.