Saturday, July 6, 2024 12:07 PM
Peshawar court rebukes CTD for illegal arrests
- CTD criticized for arrests without evidence
- Court orders release of suspect due to lack of evidence
- Importance of upholding rule of law emphasized by court
Image Credits: tribune_pkAn anti-terrorism court in Peshawar criticizes the Counter-Terrorism Department for illegal arrests and lack of evidence in a recent case, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in counter-terrorism efforts.
An anti-terrorism court in Peshawar has recently issued a strong rebuke against the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for its questionable practices. The court order highlighted instances of arrests being made without proper evidence and the misuse of police authority by the department. Notably, the court has taken action by serving notices to key officials, including the interior ministry, inspector general (IG) police, and the CTD additional inspector general of Police (AIG).
The court's scathing remarks focused on the poor performance of the CTD, noting that the department's actions have not only damaged its own credibility but have also failed to show any signs of improvement despite facing recurring issues.
One specific case that drew attention was that of Hammaduddin, a suspect who was apprehended six years after the 2017 attack on the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) hostel near Peshawar's University Road. Despite his arrest, no evidence linking him to the attack was found, prompting the court to declare his detention illegal and order his immediate release.
The assault on the ATI hostel in December 2017, which was claimed by the banned Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP), resulted in the tragic deaths of nine individuals, including six students, the institute's gatekeeper, and two civilians. Furthermore, 37 people, comprising teachers, employees, and students of the institute, sustained injuries during the attack. Among the wounded were a police officer, two soldiers, and a journalist.
The recent court order criticizing the CTD sheds light on the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of legality and fairness. It serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in combating terrorism while safeguarding the rights of individuals. Moving forward, it is crucial for authorities to reevaluate the performance of the CTD and take necessary steps to prevent unjust arrests and uphold justice.
