Court sends Raoof Hasan on physical remand in terror case

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Raoof Hasan has been arrested in a terrorism case and handed over to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on a two-day physical remand by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).

During the hearing, Hasan confirmed that his medical examination was completed and raised concerns about being transferred to jail despite his health issues.

His lawyer, Ali Bukhari, highlighted that Hasan had been sent on judicial remand by the FIA the previous day and questioned the timing of the CTD's arrest.

The prosecutor clarified that Hasan was included in the investigation the day before but was formally arrested today. Judge Supra noted the supplementary report indicating Hasan's inclusion within the courthouse premises.

Bukhari argued that this meant Hasan had effectively been under arrest since the previous day and pointed out that he had been in FIA custody for the past eight days.

Hasan was not initially named in the terrorism FIR but was arrested based on another suspect's statement, which alleged that Hasan gave Ahmad Waqas Janjua Rs 300,000 to spread terror. Bukhari contended that physical remand was unnecessary for recovering the money.

The court inquired why the CTD required physical remand, to which the prosecutor responded that they needed to investigate further to identify and apprehend those who supplied explosive materials.

Subsequently, the court handed Hasan over to the CTD on a two-day physical remand for further investigation.