ISLAMABAD: A judicial magistrate on Thursday rejected a police request seeking extension in physical remand of Hassaan Khan Niazi, nephew of PTI chief Imran Khan, and sent him to Adiala Jail on 14-day judicial remand.

Mr Niazi was arrested on Monday in a case related to intimidating and obstructing the police from discharging their professional responsibilities.

The Ramna Police had registered the FIR on the complaint of ASI Khuban Shah under Sections 34 (common intention), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 324 (attempted murder), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 427 (mischief causing damage amounting to Rs50) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

According to the FIR, police had tried to stop Mr Niazi’s vehicle but the driver tried to run them over. It said that upon being stopped, Mr Niazi stepped out of the vehicle, abused the police and threatened to shoot them.

Initially, the magistrate gave his custody to police for two days and directed them to produce Mr Niazi before the court after the lapse of physical remand.

Police produced him before the duty magistrate, Mureed Abbas Khan, and sought extension in his physical remand for the recovery of pistol and car involved in the alleged incident.

Representing Mr Niazi, advocate Faisal Fareed opposed the police request. He said such requests could not be made after over 72 hours of the incident.

The judge asked the investigation officer (IO) for progress made so far in the case and observed in the order sheet that IO’s reply was not reasonable.

He remarked that a magistrate could not be used as a tool for extension of physical remand since his prime duty is to deeply look into the matter where the question of human liberty is involved.

He rejected the request for extending Mr Niazi’s physical remand and sent him to judicial custody.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2023