Rao Anwar arrested from SC in Naqeebullah's murder case

ISLAMABAD: Former SSP Malir Rao Anwar was arrested on Wednesday in Naqeebullah Mehsud's killing in an alleged encounter on the directive of the Supreme Court.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan rejected the protective bail plea of the former Superintendent of Police (SSP).

It also ordered the constitution of a new five-member joint investigation team (JIT) headed by Sindh Assistant Inspector General of Police Aftab Pathan to probe the case. Other members included Zulfiqar Larak, Dr Rizwan, Azad Ahmed Khan and Waliullah.

During the course of proceedings, Advocate Shamim Malik, counsel for Rao Anwar, requested the court to include agency officials in the JIT. The court dismissed his plea and directed the JIT to work independently.

The court also ordered Sindh Inspector General of Police A D Khawaja to ensure Anwar’s safety during police custody.

The bench also asked Naqeebullah’s relatives not to harm Anwar. It also directed not to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The court also directed the Sindh Police to escort Anwar to Karachi, beside ensuring his safety and that of the JIT members.

Earlier in the day, Rao Anwar wearing a mask reached the Supreme Court. The bench resumed the suo motu hearing of the case and disposed off the contempt notice against him.

"We have heard many tales of your bravery, but you have been hiding like a coward all these days" the CJP remarked. “You went into hiding. Do you not have trust in the courts?” he asked.

Rao Anwar replied that he was facing some threats which he had mentioned in a letter sent to the CJP. "I am innocent and am being framed in the case," he added.

His counsel Shamim Rehman informed the bench that the Anwar had now surrendered. Rao Anwar pleaded the court to order for the constitution of a new JIT.

The chief justice asked Rao Anwar to prove his innocence before the new investigating team and he would be considered innocent till proven guilty in the eyes of the law.

“Your letter to the Supreme Court was not appropriate. It is inappropriate to write letters to the CJP,” he added.

The court also ordered Anwar’s bank accounts, passport and CNIC to be unblocked so his children did not face financial difficulties.

The chief justice observed that Rao Anwar's salary must also be paid.

He remarked that no institution, including the judiciary, would influence the investigation, which must be transparent.