An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Tuesday granted a 13-day physical remand of JUI-F leaders Qari Iftikhar Hussain and Rafaqat alias Basharat in connection with two separate cases stemming from party demonstrations in the federal capital.
Police produced both suspects before Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain to request custody. Investigating officers sought 30 days of physical remand, citing the need for detailed interrogation, recovery, and the arrest of remaining suspects. Noting that serious offences were alleged and that this was the initial remand application, the court allowed police to hold the men for 13 days and instructed that they be produced again on November 23.
Allegations and police investigation
The cases against the party figures rely on two First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in early November. The first case, registered on November 7 at the Industrial Area police station, names Qari Iftikhar Hussain—the party's deputy chief in Islamabad—alongside a crowd of 200 to 250 people. The second case, registered on November 8 at the Sangjani police station, names Rafaqat.
Both cases invoke provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, and multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to rioting, obstructing public servants, disobeying official orders, and criminal intimidation. Police allege that participants held an unlawful assembly, blocked public thoroughfares, violated Section 144, clashed with officers on duty, damaged a police vehicle, and restricted the movement of local residents within residential blocks.
Party response and legal strategy
JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza rejected the allegations, accusing authorities of trying to provoke the party into a confrontation. Murtaza stated that Qari Iftikhar was detained while traveling to a wedding alongside two companions, who were later released near G-9 Markaz. He added that the party's Islamabad chief, Mufti Awais Aziz, was also taken into custody, and claimed that police failed to produce FIR copies or disclose detention locations at the time of arrest.
Party leadership urged supporters to remain calm and stated that legal counsel would contest the remand in court. JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghouri condemned the crackdown and demanded the immediate release of detained party officials.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Islamabad ki anti-terrorism court nay JUI-F kay do rehnumao ko 13 din kay jismani remand par police kay hawalay kar diya hai. Police ka kehna hai ke in afrad par rasta band karnay, Section 144 ki khilaf warzi karnay aur police par hamla karnay kay ilzaamaat hain. Party nay in ilzaamaat ko rad kartay hue kahan hai ke woh is faislay ko qanooni taur par adalat mein chalienge kare gi.
