ATC rejects bail pleas for Waseem Akhtar, Anis Qaimkhani

KARACHI:  An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday remanded Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s nominated mayor Waseem Akhtar till July 25 in police custody.

The ATC also rejected a bail pea of Pak Sarzameen Party leader Anis Qaimkhani.

Police arrested Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders Waseem Akhtar, Rauf Siddiqui, and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) Anis Qaimkhani on Tuesday after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi rejected their bail pleas in the Dr Asim Hussain case.

Police personnel locked the gates leading out of the court premises, with strict security not allowing the MQM and PSP leaders to leave the building. Television footage from the spot showed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) parked outside the building, blocking the gate leading out of the court premises.

The arrested leaders were shifted to the Karachi Central Jail in three separate vehicles under strict security. Further hearing of the case was adjourned to August 3.

The political leaders are suspects in former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain's case who is facing charges of abetting terrorists and providing them medical treatment at his hospital.