ISLAMABAD: Family members of Khalid Shamim, an accused in the (MQM leader) Dr Imran Frooq murder case, met the accused on Thursday after the Anti-Terrorism Court judge ordered FIA to arrange their meeting.

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Kausar Zaidi issued the order after the family protested outside the court against FIA’s refusal to allow the meeting. They later appeared before the judge and requested to let them meet the accused.

The judge ordered that the accused earlier sent on a judicial remand be brought back.

The FIA had produced the suspects before the court, obtained their remand and then took them back, but brought him back after the court order.

The FIA had arrested Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali and Moazzam Ali for their alleged role in Dr Imran Farooq’s murder. Accused Shamim had reportedly claimed that senior MQM leader Mohammad Anwar had given him the order for killing Dr Imran Farooq.

A Joint Investigation Team constituted to investigate the murder had claimed that MQM chief Altaf Hussain perceived Dr Farooq as a threat and wanted him eliminated.

The JIT report also noted that all three accused were members of All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation (APMSO), the MQM’s student wing.

Meanwhile, according to TV news channels, when Khalid Shamim was asked by reporters outside the court on Thursday if he would become an approver in the case, he replied in the affirmative.

“Yes absolutely! I need the people’s help,” he replied.

He also said that he wanted to take the case to the International Court of Justice.

“I know that Altaf Hussain, Mohammad Anwar and other accomplices are being helped by MI6, RAW and CIA,” he said. “I need help. I want to take this case to the International Court of Justice.”

He alleged that Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain and Mohammad Anwar were British and Indian agents.

Meanwhile, Khalid Shamim’s wife told journalists that her husband’s condition was not well.

But the accused insisted that he was fine and wanted to take the matter to the international court.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2016