A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday extended the judicial remand of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Rizvi and other accused till March 16, a private TV channel reported.
The court heard a case registered against the accused on charges of sedition and terrorism for delivering anti-state speeches and inciting violence during their three-day protests against Christian woman Aasia Bibi’s acquittal in a blasphemy case.
While distributing copies of the challan, the ATC-IV extended the remand for the seven suspects, comprising Khadim Rizvi, Pir Afzal Qadri, Pir Ejaz Ashrafi, Farooqul Hasan, Shafqat Jamil, Waheed Noor and Syed Zaheer ul Hassan Shah.
On Nov 23 last year, Rizvi was taken into protective custody by police from Lahore as law enforcement agencies launched a massive crackdown against workers of the TLP.
On Saturday, the suspects were brought to the court amid heavy security arrangements by Civil Lines Police, where case number 958/18 is registered against them. Their lawyers – Murtuza Ali Peerzada, Tahir Minhas and Nasir Minhas – were also present in the court.
In an attempt to avoid any chaotic situation, the court has increased the deployment of security forces.
During a previous hearing of the case, police had arrested dozens of TLP workers after they tried to block an armoured vehicle carrying the party chief when he appeared before the ATC.
Published in Daily Times, March 3rd 2019.
