An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad extended the physical remand of former senator Mushtaq Ahmad by four days on Thursday. The extension relates to a case concerning a rally held in Islamabad backing protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Duty Judge Abdul Ghafoor Kakar granted the extension after police presented Mushtaq Ahmad before the court following the expiration of his previous remand period. The prosecution had requested a 30-day extension, stating that investigators needed more time to complete their inquiry and gather evidence connected to the case.
During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the court that police had seized items such as batons, loudspeakers, and other equipment allegedly used during the protest, identified by the accused. The officer also mentioned that additional suspects had been identified and more time was required to finalize the investigation.
After considering the arguments from both the prosecution and defense, the court approved a four-day remand extension instead of the 30 days sought by the prosecution. Mushtaq Ahmad is to be produced again on August 10.
Mushtaq Ahmad claimed mistreatment while in police custody, telling the court he had faced harsh conditions despite having been imprisoned previously in Israeli jails and appearing before Israeli judges. His lawyer, Habib Hanzala, described the case as politically motivated and challenged the foundation of the prosecution’s allegations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s upcoming Independence Day on August 14, the defense lawyer questioned whether all citizens who participate in such national celebrations would face arrest, implying the charges were unreasonable.
The case originated at Shalimar Police Station after Mushtaq Ahmad and others organized a rally at F-10 Markaz in Islamabad to support protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. On August 3, the ATC had initially remanded Mushtaq Ahmad and co-accused Daniyal into police custody for three days following their arrest linked to the demonstration.
At that time, prosecutors had also requested a 30-day physical remand, citing the need to recover a vehicle and an allegedly illegal weapon related to the case.
Mushtaq Ahmad has been an outspoken advocate for the AJK protest movement, consistently calling for enhanced political and constitutional rights for the region. The Islamabad rally occurred amid rising tensions in AJK, where supporters of the banned Azad Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC) have been holding prolonged protests, sit-ins, and road blockades over socio-economic and election-related grievances.
The unrest in AJK has resulted in violent clashes between protesters and security forces, causing casualties among civilians and law enforcement personnel. In response, authorities in Islamabad have implemented heightened security measures to prevent the unrest from spreading to the federal capital, including restrictions on public gatherings in several areas.
