In an unexpected turn of events, senior lawyer Abid Zaman Advocate withdrew from representing Armaghan Qureshi, the main accused in the Mustafa Amir kidnapping and murder case. The move came on Tuesday, the same day an anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended Armaghan’s physical remand until 24 March.
According to reports, Abid Zaman, who had been handling the case, stepped down after Armaghan’s father (who is also a lawyer) expressed his intention to take over the defence personally. This sudden change raises questions about the defence strategy and the role of new legal representation.
Earlier, during a hearing at ATC No. 4 in the Jail Anti-Terrorism Complex, defence counsel Tahir-ur-Rehman Tanoli requested the judge to summon Armaghan’s mother as a witness. Another defence lawyer, Khurram Abbas, suggested that Kamran Qureshi, Armaghan’s father, should also be called to court. Advocate Tanoli assured the judge that their presence would not cause any disruptions.
Read more: Armaghan’s Father Removed from Court After Heated Argument
Following these requests, the judge ordered both parents to attend the hearing. Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Zulfiqar Ali Arain informed the court that Armaghan’s father had allegedly threatened him. The judge asked why no formal complaint had been lodged under the Lawyers Protection Act and Arain confirmed that he had already applied.
Investigating Officer (IO) Afsar Muhammad Ali was questioned about whether a formal case had been registered. He confirmed that the required paperwork had been filed.
The court has expressed concern over delays in the case, emphasising the consequences of further postponements. Tensions also rose when the judge ordered Armaghan to sign a power of attorney. However, the accused refused, stating that he did not wish to appoint a lawyer.
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