In a significant development, an anti-terrorism court in Karachi on Wednesday granted bail to Ahmed Saeed, also known as Saeed Bharam, who is alleged to be a hitman for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). The bail was approved in connection with a 2008 arson attack that resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a lawyer.
The court allowed bail against surety bonds amounting to Rs300,000. This case originates from an incident on April 9, 2008, when Tahir Plaza, situated near the City Courts and primarily housing lawyers’ offices, was set ablaze following violent clashes between two factions of lawyers.
The fire claimed the lives of Advocate Altaf Abbasi and five of his clients. Law enforcement authorities had registered cases against three suspects — M Imran alias Imran Saeed, Saeed Bharam, and Faisal Javed — along with 12 others who remain absconding. They faced charges including violence, arson, and terrorism under the jurisdiction of Risala police station.
During the hearing on Wednesday, defence lawyer Mushtaq Ahmed contended that a co-accused who had previously identified Bharam had already been granted bail. He emphasized that Bharam had spent a considerable time in custody, justifying the need for his release. The defence further argued that Bharam’s implication was primarily based on testimony from Imran Saeed, who claimed to have acted under Bharam’s instructions. However, following Imran Saeed’s acquittal, this testimony was deemed to have lost its evidentiary weight.
On the other hand, prosecutor Mushtaq Jahangiri opposed the bail application, asserting that it was not maintainable and should be dismissed. Despite the opposition, the court proceeded to grant bail to Saeed Bharam, marking a notable turn in this long-standing case.
