News
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Shahzain Bugti’s case transferred to sessions court
Staff Report
QUETTA: Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC)-1 judge Ismail Baloch on Friday ordered to transfer of a case against Jamhoori Watan Party provincial president Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti to the Quetta Sessions Court.
The ATC judge observed that the case against Shahzain for allegedly keeping illegal weapons and ammunition did not come under the jurisdiction of the ATC, adding, therefore, it is transferred to the sessions court. The court passed this order during the hearing of the bail application of Shahzain and his 26 associates. Later, talking to the media, Wishisher Nath Kohli, Shahzain’s lawyer, expressed satisfaction over the transfer of the case to the sessions court. He said Nawab Akbar Bugti’s family had a history of sacrifices for democracy, adding the JWP would continue its efforts for promotion of democratic values and restoration of rights in Balochistan.
Legal experts termed the decision a major setback for the prosecution, which had built up the ATC against the JWP leader and his followers and had publicised the issue in the media.
Shahzain and 26 his of associates were arrested by personnel of the Frontier Corps on charges of possessing a large cache of illegal weapons. Police had registered cases against them and got physical remand from the ATC. An application was filed for the release of Shahzain on bail. After hearing arguments, the court returned the bail application.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk