ISLAMABAD: Resuming suo motu hearing of Naqeebullah murder case today, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar sought progress report in the case from inspector general Sindh and it transpired that no significant progress could not be made in the case while accused cop in fake encounter Rao Anwar is still at large.
The Intelligence Bureau presented a report in court, whereas State Bank of Pakistan official informed the court that all bank accounts of Anwar have been frozen.
Former SSP Malir Rao Anwar, who is facing murder charges for allegedly leading the encounter in which Naqeeb was killed, has gone into hiding as the law enforcement agencies are struggling to find him.
The chief justice inquired from the IG Sindh reasons of Rao Anwar’s still not being collared. The provincial police replied that the police had call data of absconding Anwar but it could not be prove sufficient to trace the accused cop.
The court also sought reported from civil and military agencies about Rao Anwar.
Anwar was issued a contempt notice for failing to appear before the court despite having been granted protective bail.
The apex court had taken a suo motu notice of the murder of 27-year-old Naqeebullah Mehsud from South Waziristan who was killed in a staged encounter led by Rao Anwar in Karachi on January 13.
The murder triggered widespread outrage on social media when the family of aspiring fashion model rejected claims that Mehsud was a member of a terrorist outfit and had any criminal record.
In a letter to the chief justice, the fugitive officer professed innocence, claiming he was not present at the site of the encounter, where Naqeeb was killed.
He demanded that a free and fair joint investigation should be constituted to look into the allegations against him.
The court had asked Rao Anwar to appear in the next hearing of the case and restrained police from arresting him. But he didn’t appear, drawing ire of the court.
The hearing of the case continues.
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