ATC Adjourns Hearing in MPA Sajid Mohmand Case Until October 14

PESHAWAR: In a significant development, a special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar has adjourned the hearing of the May 9 case involving Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sajid Mohmand and several others until October 14. This case has garnered attention due to the involvement of political figures and the serious nature of the allegations.

The court summoned five police officers, including the investigating officer, to provide their statements during the next hearing. ATC Judge Usman Bashir presided over the proceedings. Although the investigating officer and other police officials were present in court, their statements could not be recorded because of a strike by public prosecutors. This situation has led to a delay in the legal process.

Judge Bashir has specifically directed the officers, including Investigating Officer Hakim and Station House Officer (SHO) Sardar Hussain, to return to court on October 14 to give their testimonies. The case against MPA Sajid Mohmand and other members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party stems from a protest that took place in the Mohmand tribal district on May 9, 2023.

During this protest, demonstrators blocked a road in Ghallanai, the headquarters of the Mohmand tribal district, and voiced their dissent against state institutions. Following the protest, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Ghallanai Police Station, naming MPA Sajid Mohmand and 23 other individuals as accused.

The Counter-Terrorism Department has since completed its investigation and submitted a challan to the court, which outlines the evidence against the accused. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between political entities and law enforcement in Pakistan, particularly in the context of protests and public dissent.

As the legal proceedings continue, it is essential to observe how this case unfolds and what implications it may have for political discourse in the region. The involvement of public officials in such cases raises questions about accountability and the role of law enforcement in managing protests. The upcoming hearing on October 14 will be crucial in determining the next steps in this high-profile case.