Mufti Qavi appears before court in Qandeel Baloch murder case

MULTAN: Mufti Abdul Qavi appeared before a judicial magistrate's court on Tuesday in connection with Qandeel Baloch's murder case. 

Qavi appeared before Sessions Judge Chaudhry Ameer Muhammed. 

However, since he appeared without legal counsel he was asked to appear again on Wednesday with legal representation, after which the hearing was adjourned for the day. 

Qavi told journalists following his appearance that he appeared today, will appear tomorrow and will continue to cooperate with the police and the courts.

Other accused in the case, Haq Nawaz and Qandeel's brother Muhammed Waseem were expected to be presented before the judge today.

Earlier non-bailable arrest warrants had been issued for the cleric on request of the investigation officer who informed the court that the cleric was not cooperating with the police. 

Qavi had at the time told Geo News, that he was always present in his seminary and was available for any cooperation the police wanted, adding that he had obtained interim bail and therefore could not be arrested. 

Qandeel Baloch Murder

Baloch, who shot to fame for her provocative selfies that polarised Pakistan, was allegedly strangled in July by her brother Muhammad Waseem.

In his confession Waseem claimed she had brought shame on the family and owned up to his crime in a press conference after his arrest.

Prior to her death, Baloch, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, spoke of worries about her safety and had appealed to the interior ministry to provide her with security.

In Facebook posts, Baloch, 26, spoke of trying to change "the typical orthodox mindset" of people in Pakistan.

She faced frequent abuse and death threats but continued to post provocative pictures and videos.

The so-called 'honour-killing' had sent shockwaves across the country and triggered an outpouring of grief on social media for Baloch.