ATC reject rangers’ personnel plea to shift case in lower court

The Anti-Terrorist Court Judge Bashir Ahmed Khosa rejected the applications of Rangers personnel, involved in the Sarfraz Shah murder case here on Saturday.

The ATC declared that the case will be heard by the anti-terrorism court as the actions of the rangers came under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The court has issued notices to the petitioner, Salik Shah and four witnesses in the case. Hearing of the case has adjourned till tomorrow (Monday).

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP), Muhammad Khan Buriro argued that this was, in fact, a case by the nation and the mothers of those innocent victims, who fall prey to trigger-happy individuals in law enforcing agencies.

The SPP then brought up a Supreme Court order, which he argues already established jurisdiction. The highest court in the country had specifically directed that the case be tried by an ATC and not an ordinary court. The subordinate courts, including the high court, are thus bound by these orders, he submitted.

The defence counsels said they will file appeal against the court decision.

Earlier Supreme Court took suo moto notice of Sarfraz Shah killing case. He was shot dead in Benazir Bhutto Park by the Rangers on June 8. Six Rangers men and a civilian have been indicted.
The defence had earlier argued that as no terrorism was involved, the anti-terrorism laws did not apply in the case. SANA