SAHIWAL: Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Muhammad Zahid Ghaznavi on Tuesday removed section 7 of the anti-terrorism act (ATA) in an election violence-related case filed by the Yousafwala police against Asad Khan Baloch, ex-mayor and independent candidate for PP-198, at village 94/9-L on Jan 18.

The case was registered against 74 people, with 14 nominated, including Asad Khan Baloch, based on a complaint by Ihsan Khan, a supporter of Malik Arshad, the former MPA and PML-N candidate, from the same constituency.

Police invoked multiple sections, such as 324, 341, 148 and 149 of PPC and section 7 of the ATA.

According to reports, the Gadhi clan, strong supporters of PML-N in the village, was divided into two factions.

One group, led by Zafar Gadhi, supported Asad Khan Baloch, while the other, led by Imran Gadhi, backed Malik Arshad.

On Jan 18, clashes erupted between supporters of the rival groups when Malik Arshad organised a public rally in the village. Both groups were accused of engaging in abusive language, scuffling, and aerial firing.

Consequently, the police arrested six people from Asad Khan’s group, including Zafar Gadi, Shah Nawaz, Rab Nawaz, Ali Raza, and Haq Nawaz. Asad Khan Baloch and Sadiq Khan Baloch obtained pre-arrest bail.

During the court hearing, police presented the suspects in the ATC court for an extension of physical remand, but the remand was denied, and section 7 of ATA was removed from the case.

The judge instructed the police to present all suspects in the civil court of Mr. Sultan Tipu.

Yousafwala SHO Amir Farooq confirmed that section 7 of ATA was removed.

Meanwhile, some political observers criticised the police for alleged high-handedness, while DPO Fasil Shahzad defended the action, stating that the police aimed to “set an example” to prevent any political workers from disturbing the peace in the upcoming election.

Malik Arshad had previously served twice as MPA from PP-198 in 2013 and 2018.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2024