FAISALABAD, Jan 19: All 13 witnesses, the complainant and the investigation officer in the self-proclaimed Imam Mehdi case completed their statements before the Anti-Terrorism Court on Thursday. The judge announced that the debate would be completed by Jan 21 so that the trial could be finished within shortest possible time.

City DSP Malik Abdul Rasheed, Peoples Colony DSP Chaudhry Mushtaq along with police officials and eyewitnesses appeared before court.

They claimed that accused Shahbaz Ahmed and his cult members had passed some objectionable remarks against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), created law and order, resorted to aerial and direct firing, injuring several people. Besides, they also introduced a new cult in Islam.

Prosecutors said all the 25 accused had committed a heinous crime and they should be given maximum punishment.

The case had been registered against Shahbaz and cult members under the Blasphemy Act on complaint of City DSP Malik Abdul Rasheed on Dec 15, 2005.—Staff Correspondent