November 18, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 22, 1424

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RAWALPINDI, Nov 17: A special anti-terrorism court here on Monday granted a seven-day remand of the outlawed Islami Tehrik Pakistan (ITP) chief, Allama Sajid Naqvi, to police in the murder case of Maulana Azam Tariq, chief of another banned outfit, Millat-i-Islamia Pakistan.

The judge, Manzoor Ahmed Mirza granted the remand after the crime investigation wing of Islamabad police, amid tight security, produced Allama Naqvi in the court No.1 at 1pm.

Earlier, at 12:50pm, police had brought the Allama to the special anti-terrorism court No 2 of Safdar Hussain Malik, seeking the physical remand of the accused.

Mr Malik, however, referred the case to the court of Mr Mirza. The later also observed that Allama Naqvi be reproduced before the same court on Nov 24.

The deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Ishaaq Warraich, DSP Farrukh Rashid and inspector Rashid Niazi, were leading the highly alert police team which escorted the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal leader between the two ATCs which are situated at about one-minute walking distance from each other.

A group of press photographers and reporters rushed to the district courts to cover the event. But by that time the police had driven the Allama back to the Sehala police station.

The Rawalpindi police had arrested Allama Naqvi on Saturday for his alleged involvement in the assassination of Maulana Azam Tariq, who was shot dead near Golra in Islamabad on October 6. The Maulana’s three guards and a driver were also killed in the incident.