PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct an inquiry into the death of Mumtaz alias Mumtazay, who was allegedly killed in a police encounter in Peshawar after being arrested in Bahrain.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Babar Sattar heard a petition filed by Mumtaz’s mother seeking protection for her son.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Shabbir Hussain Gigyani, told the court that Mumtaz had been arrested in Bahrain and arrangements were being made to bring him back to Pakistan. His mother had subsequently approached the court seeking protection.
The lawyer claimed that at the previous hearing, the court had issued directions for Mumtaz’s protection. However, police had told the court that Mumtaz was neither in their custody nor had he been arrested.
According to the counsel, an FIA report stated that red warrants had been issued against Mumtaz on the request of Peshawar Police and that he was subsequently arrested through Interpol.
The lawyer further told the court that Mumtaz was brought from Bahrain to Islamabad Airport and was later killed during a police encounter in Peshawar.
ALSO READ: Petrol Price Surges by Rs38 Since July — Here’s What You’ll Pay Now
Justice Syed Arshad Ali questioned what would happen in the matter. The lawyer responded that the FIA could investigate the incident, following which the court ordered the agency to conduct an inquiry.
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General informed the court that an FIR had been registered regarding the incident and that two police officers had been injured during the alleged encounter.
The petitioner’s counsel, however, alleged that the encounter was staged and claimed that the family had evidence supporting their allegations.
He requested permission to place documents, videos and audio recordings on the court record. The lawyer also said that Mumtaz’s family possessed substantial evidence related to the case.
The court directed the petitioner’s counsel to submit the relevant documents and said the case would be heard in detail at the next hearing.
The Peshawar High Court subsequently adjourned the hearing.
