ATC extends remand of Mustafa Amir murder suspect

Karachi: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi has extended the physical remand of Armaghan, the prime suspect in the Mustafa Amir murder case, for another seven days.

The court ordered the investigation officer to submit a progress report at the next hearing.

Prosecutors argued that they needed more time to recover a laptop and a mobile phone, which they believe contain important evidence related to the case. However, Armaghan’s lawyer opposed the request, saying the police had already completed their investigation and no further remand was necessary. Despite this, the court decided to grant the extension.

During the hearing, the judge asked if the seized evidence had been properly sealed, and the investigation officer confirmed it had been. The court also allowed Armaghan’s parents to visit him briefly.

A report has revealed that Armaghan allegedly confessed to the murder of Mustafa and explained the reasons behind it. The report stated that Armaghan ran a call center in a bungalow located in Defence's Khayaban-e-Momin area, where 30 to 40 boys and girls worked. There were also 30 to 35 security guards on the premises, and the bungalow illegally housed three lion cubs.

The investigation also revealed Armaghan’s involvement in business and drug use. Before Mustafa’s murder, Armaghan and his friend Shiraz had planned to burn Mustafa’s car and had previously discussed harming him. In 2019, Armaghan was involved in a drug importation case but was granted bail.

The report also stated that Armaghan was a drug user. On New Year’s Eve, Armaghan hosted a party at the bungalow where Shiraz stayed until 3 am. Mustafa, however, did not attend the party.

The next day, Armaghan and Mustafa had a personal argument that turned into a violent confrontation. On January 6, Armaghan invited Shiraz to the bungalow to use drugs, and Mustafa arrived around 9 pm. During this encounter, Armaghan attacked Mustafa with an iron rod.

Armaghan and Shiraz then stripped Mustafa, tied his hands and feet with a white sheet, and dragged him down the stairs. Mustafa’s car was parked in the bungalow's parking lot, and they placed his body in the trunk. They then drove to Hub.

The report also revealed that Armaghan ordered two employees to clean up the blood stains from the room. Armaghan took Mustafa's clothes, mobile phone, and internet device. When they couldn’t find fuel in the car, Armaghan took a fuel can from the bungalow. On the way, Armaghan discarded Mustafa’s mobile phone and belongings.

In Hub, they arrived around 4:30 am, poured petrol on Mustafa’s car, and set it on fire. Afterward, Armaghan and Shiraz walked to a hotel for breakfast, but a hotel employee saw them with a weapon, and they fled. After walking for hours and hitching rides, they made their way back to Karachi.