PHC orders FIA inquiry into Mumtaz alias Mumtazay’s death
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct an inquiry into the death of Mumtaz alias Mumtazay, who was allegedly killed in a police encounter in Peshawar after being arrested in Bahrain.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Babar Sattar heard a petition filed by Mumtaz’s mother seeking protection for her son. Advocate Shabbir Hussain Gigyani appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioner.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel told the court that Mumtaz had been arrested in Bahrain and arrangements were being made to bring him back to Pakistan. His mother subsequently approached the court seeking protection for her son.
According to the lawyer, the court had previously issued directions regarding Mumtaz’s protection. However, police had informed the court that Mumtaz was neither in their custody nor had he been arrested.
The counsel further informed the court that an FIA report stated that red warrants had been issued against Mumtaz on the request of Peshawar Police, after which he was arrested through Interpol.
The lawyer claimed that Mumtaz was brought from Bahrain to Islamabad Airport and was later killed during an alleged police encounter in Peshawar.
During the proceedings, Justice Syed Arshad Ali questioned what action could be taken in the matter. The petitioner’s counsel suggested that the FIA could investigate the incident. The court subsequently directed the federal agency to conduct an inquiry.
Meanwhile, the Additional Advocate General informed the court that an FIR had already been registered in connection with the incident. He also stated that two police officers were injured during the alleged encounter.
The petitioner’s counsel, however, alleged that the encounter was staged and claimed that the family possessed evidence supporting its allegations. He requested permission to submit documents, videos and audio recordings before the court.
The court directed the counsel to submit all relevant documents and observed that the matter would be examined in detail during the next hearing.
The Peshawar High Court subsequently adjourned the hearing. The FIA inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Mumtaz’s arrest, his return to Pakistan and his subsequent death in the alleged police encounter.
