ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has placed former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and co-accused Daniyal on a three-day physical remand following a protest-related case. The suspects were produced before Duty Judge Rukhsanda Shaheen amid strict security.
During the proceedings, the prosecution sought a 30-day physical remand, arguing that police required extended custody to recover a vehicle and weapons allegedly linked to the incident. However, after reviewing the arguments, Judge Shaheen approved a three-day physical remand, directing authorities to present the suspects before the court upon its completion.
The case stems from an FIR registered on July 31 at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station by Sub-inspector Ghulam Murtaza. According to the complaint, Mushtaq led a crowd of 400 to 500 people in F-10, where he allegedly delivered “incendiary” speeches, forced local shops to close, and chanted slogans against state institutions. The FIR further alleges that the demonstrators marched toward Main Jinnah Avenue, ignored district administration warnings regarding the lack of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), and blocked the main road near Shalimar Plaza around 7:10 PM.
Authorities have accused the protesters of vandalizing a media DSNG van and private vehicles, pelting stones, clashing with law enforcement, and snatching anti-riot gear from police personnel.
The legal proceedings follow a brief period of uncertainty surrounding the former senator’s whereabouts. Last week, Mushtaq’s Pakistan Rights Movement (PRM) claimed he was detained by Punjab police on July 28 in Kahuta Bazaar while returning from Azad Pattan Bridge after reportedly being barred from entering Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Although local police initially denied holding him, his official social media account announced his release shortly afterward, following which he organized the July 31 gathering in F-10 dedicated to solidarity with Kashmir and regional peace.
