Detention of BB murder case suspects extended till Feb 19

LAHORE: A provincial review board comprising judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday extended detention of five suspects, acquitted in the Benazir Bhutto murder case by a court, till Feb 19.

The board comprises Justice Abdul Sami Khan, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Alia Neelum heard the application of the Punjab government for extension in detention of the suspects.

The police presented the five suspects -- Sher Zaman, Husnain Gull, Aitzaz Shah, Rasheed Ahmed and Rafaqat Hussain -- allegedly linked with a banned outfit, before the board amid strict security on expiry of their 90-day detention.

Senior government officials, along with the law officers, also appeared and assisted the board's members during in-camera proceedings.

The board was requested to extend the detention period for another two months.

However, due to absence of Advocate General Punjab, the board extended the detention till Feb 19. The suspects were sent back to Kot Lakhpat jail.

The Punjab government had detained the suspects under the Maintenance of Pubic Order on August 31 after their acquittal in Benazir Bhutto murder case.