KARACHI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi rejected an unusual request by Armaghan, the central accused in the high-profile Mustafa Amir murder case, who sought to contest his bail application without legal representation. The court strictly maintained that under the law, capital offense cases cannot proceed without proper legal counsel.
The ATC conducted a consolidated hearing of six different cases, including the Mustafa Amir murder case. Prison authorities produced the main accused, Armaghan, alongside co-accused Shiraz, under stringent security measures. The mother of the central accused was also present in the courtroom. During the proceedings, Armaghan made a surprising appeal to the judge, stating that he does not need any lawyer for his case and requested the court to hear his bail application without any legal counsel.
Court’s Remarks and Decision
The ATC judge outright rejected Armaghan’s plea, emphasizing that the supremacy of law and constitutional rights must be upheld.
“Cases involving capital punishment and sections of law carrying the death penalty cannot be tried under any circumstances without the presence and assistance of a defense lawyer. This is a fundamental constitutional right of the accused and a mandatory part of judicial procedure,” the court remarked.
The court firmly directed Armaghan to ensure the presence of his legal counsel at the next hearing or to hire another lawyer to represent him. Following the arguments, the court adjourned the hearing of all six cases, including the Mustafa Amir murder trial, until June 17.
