Armaghan’s Remand Extended for 5 Days in Mustafa Amir Case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday extended the physical remand of Armaghan Qureshi, the main suspect in the Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case, along with co-accused Shiraz Bukhari, for another five days.

This marks the second extension in Armaghan’s remand, which was initially granted for four days on February 18. The first extension was approved on February 22.

The case pertains to the alleged abduction and murder of Mustafa Amir, a BBA student who went missing on January 6. The case gained prominence when Armaghan allegedly opened fire at an Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) team during a raid at his residence in Karachi’s DHA earlier this month.

Mustafa’s body was discovered in a car near the Hub checkpost on January 12 and was initially buried by the Edhi Foundation on January 16. However, after a DNA test confirmed the identity of the remains, they were exhumed and reburied.

Court Proceedings

During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution sought an extension in Armaghan’s remand, arguing that further investigation was required. The investigating officer (IO) informed the court that a girl who was allegedly tortured by the suspects had been located, and her statement needed to be recorded. Additionally, witness statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were yet to be documented.

Armaghan’s lawyer opposed the police’s request, alleging that his client was subjected to inhumane treatment, denied food, and deprived of restroom access for ten days. However, the court dismissed these claims, with the judge remarking that such allegations were unrealistic.

The defence also requested prior notification before the recording of statements and demanded a medical examination for the suspect. Meanwhile, the prosecution highlighted that the case had sparked nationwide outrage and that Armaghan was being investigated for possible links to money laundering and drug trafficking.

JIT Formed for Investigation

The court was informed that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had been formed to probe the high-profile case, with Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muqaddas Haider leading the investigation.

After deliberation, the court permitted Armaghan’s parents to meet him but warned that any disorder during the meeting should be reported immediately. Additionally, the court approved the suspect’s medical examination while extending the remand of Armaghan and Shiraz for five more days.