Army Chief orders inquiry into MQM worker Aftab Ahmed’s death

KARACHI: The Army Chief ordered an inquiry into the death of Mutahida Qaumi Movement worker Aftab Ahmed who the party claims was killed in Rangers’ custody.

“The army chief has directed to hold an inquiry to find out the truth in the case of Aftab Ahmad who died in Karachi yesterday. He instructed that justice be done,” a statement by the ISPR said on Wednesday.

Aftab Ahmed was reportedly detained by law enforcement personnel in plainclothes during a raid near Mukka Chowk in Federal B Area on Sunday evening.

He was among seven suspects presented before a judge of the anti-terrorism court on Monday by the paramilitary Rangers force.

A Rangers lawyer informed the court that the suspects belonging MQM were involved in the target-killing of over 40 people. The court had granted the Rangers' request for a 90-day preventive detention under Section 11-EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

On Tuesday he was rushed to the Jinnah Hospital where he was announced dead.

"Aftab Ahmed was brought to the Jinnah Hospital at 7:25 AM this morning where he was treated in the emergency ward. Aftab Ahmed passed away during emergency treatment," said Dr Seemi Jamali, head of emergency at the Jinnah Postgraduate medical centre (JPMC).

But later, a report by the medico-legal advisor stated that Aftab Ahmed had already expired before being brought to the hospital at 8:05 AM. The report said that he was pronounced dead after examination by the chief medical officer.

MQM observes day of mourning

The MQM is observing a day of mourning today to protest the death of their worker who was also a close aide of senior leader Farooq Sattar.

Aftab Ahmed was buried on Tuesday at the Shuhada Graveyard at Yaseenabad where the party honours its martyrs. His body was brought to the Numaish Chowrangi, where his funeral prayers were attended by thousands of MQM supporters.

Aftab was buried enclosed in a coffin, as his body had been mutiliated, Farooq Sattar said.  

Speaking to Geo News, Sattar appealed to DG Rangers to look into this extra-judicial killing. “If he was wanted in a crime he should have been tried in court,” he said.

“Aftab Ahmed was being forced to change party loyalties,” he added

According to an MQM press statement, Aftab Ahmed leaves behind his wife, three daughters and two sons.