ATC extends Mushtaq Ahmad’s remand in AJK protest case
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted police another four days of physical remand for former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad and his co-accused, Daniyal, in connection with a case registered over protests related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The accused appeared before Duty Judge Abdul Ghafoor after completing an earlier three-day physical remand that had been granted on August 3. During the hearing, the prosecution once again requested a much longer remand, arguing that investigators still needed more time to complete the investigation.
Prosecution sought 30-day remand
The prosecution asked the court to approve a 30-day physical remand, stating that investigators had not yet recovered a vehicle and weapons they claimed were linked to the case.
According to prosecutors, the recovery process remains incomplete and additional police custody is necessary to continue the investigation. They informed the court that the alleged vehicle and weapons had not yet been traced.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court declined to grant the requested 30-day remand. Instead, the judge approved a four-day extension in police custody.
The case has been registered at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station and remains under investigation.
Case linked to AJK protest
The legal proceedings are connected to demonstrations related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where recent clashes have resulted in reports of deaths and injuries.
Last week, Mushtaq Ahmad’s legal team claimed that he had been detained for more than 24 hours after security personnel stopped him from entering AJK. According to his team, the detention was linked to his support for ongoing protests in the region.
Following his release from the alleged detention, Ahmad addressed a press conference and announced plans for a condolence, solidarity and peace gathering in Islamabad.
He invited members of the public, journalists, student organizations and Kashmiris living in Islamabad to participate in the event at F-10 Markaz.
Mushtaq Ahmad’s account of the incident
According to an earlier statement shared through Mushtaq Ahmad’s X account, he was travelling toward Azad Jammu and Kashmir while carrying white flags as a symbol of solidarity with families affected by recent violence.
The statement said security personnel stopped him at Azad Pattan Bridge and did not allow him to enter the region. After recording a protest there, he reportedly started returning to Islamabad.
The statement further alleged that at about 7:07pm, Punjab Police intercepted his vehicle in Kahuta Bazaar and took him into custody.
Authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations made in the statement.
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Background of the case
The recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has attracted attention from political parties and human rights groups after reports of casualties and injuries during demonstrations.
The ongoing investigation against Mushtaq Ahmad is taking place in this broader context, with police continuing to collect evidence related to the case.
The court’s latest order gives investigators four additional days instead of the 30-day period requested by the prosecution.
