Court refuses to proceed without defence counsel in Mustafa Amir murder case

Karachi: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of the Mustafa Amir murder case and five other related cases until June 17 after refusing to proceed in the absence of defence counsel for the principal accused.

The court observed that the proceedings could not move forward without the formal presence of a lawyer representing the accused, Armaghan.

The court directed the accused to ensure the appearance of his counsel at the next hearing or engage another lawyer to represent him.

Earlier, jail authorities produced accused Armaghan and co-accused Shiraz before the court under strict security arrangements. Armaghan’s mother was also present during the proceedings.

During the hearing, Armaghan requested the court to allow him to conduct his case without legal representation and sought a hearing on his bail application without a lawyer. He told the court that he did not require the services of any counsel for his defence.

However, the court rejected the request, observing that cases carrying the possibility of capital punishment cannot legally proceed without proper legal representation.

The court urged that the presence of defence counsel is a mandatory requirement in such cases to ensure a fair trial and due process.

Following the proceedings, the court adjourned the hearing of the Mustafa Amir murder case and all other related matters until June 17.