Afaq Ahmed Secures Bail in Arson Case
The court's decision highlights the ongoing complexities of political cases in Karachi, with the judiciary playing a crucial role in balancing the rights of defendants with the need to maintain public order. Afaq Ahmed's case is likely to be closely watched, given the sensitive nature of political arrests and the potential implications for the city's stability.
A Karachi court has granted bail to MQM-H Chairman Afaq Ahmed in an arson case related to the torching of a truck in Surjani Town, with the court observing that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence linking him to the incident.
Ahmed's lawyer argued that the allegations were baseless and that the police had not presented enough evidence to oppose bail. The prosecution maintained that the case was registered at the Surjani Town police station, but the court ultimately ruled in favor of the defendant. This development comes amid continued legal proceedings against political figures in Karachi, with the court taking a critical stance on political arrests and noting that imprisoning politicians often enhances their popularity.
Afaq Ahmed was arrested on February 11 in connection with arson cases in Karachi's Awami Colony and Landhi areas. His lawyers argued that he was implicated on political grounds and asked the magistrate to discharge him. However, the magistrate initially sent him to prison, citing a non-bailable offense under Section 436 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Ahmed was also booked in cases related to instigating people to torch vehicles in violation of a ban.
The granting of bail to Afaq Ahmed marks the third case in which he has been given bail, following two previous cases related to allegedly setting fire to a water bowser and heavy vehicles. Ahmed was released from jail on February 25, 2025, after securing bail in a case related to arson instigation, submitting Rs100,000 surety bonds to secure his release.
