GILGIT: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Gilgit-Baltistan issued non-bailable warrants for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s arrest on Wednesday on charges of using derogatory language against the armed forces and Rangers.

The ATC-1 was hearing a case comprising nine FIRs lodged against the MQM chief at various police stations by citizens under sections related to treason and rebellion against the state.

The ATC, presided over by Justice Raja Shahbab, became the first court in the country to issue non-bailable warrants for the arrest of Mr Hussain, who lives in the UK, amid a spate of cases registered against him.

Earlier this week, a three-judge bench of the Lahore High Court was constituted to assess the maintainability of a case against the MQM chief for his remarks about the army.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2015

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