ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday dismissed the post-arrest bail application of a Britisher of Pakistani origin, involved in an attempted murder of a traffic policeman and spreading terror in the I-8 Markaz commercial area.
ATC Judge Abual Hassanat Muhammad Zulqarnain announced the decision after hearing arguments from both sides. During the proceedings, the defence counsel argued that the accused is a British national and was not fully aware of Pakistani laws, contending that the incident did not fall within the ambit of terrorism.
The lawyer further maintained that the police had registered the FIR on false and fabricated grounds, contrary to the actual facts of the case.
Opposing the plea, prosecutor Raja Naveed argued that foreign nationals are required to strictly abide by Pakistani laws. He submitted that weapons were recovered from the accused, demonstrating his intention to kill a traffic policeman.
The prosecutor further stated that the accused created fear and panic in a busy commercial area, adding that video evidence of the incident was available on record.
Citing judicial precedents, he contended that acts causing fear and panic in public places squarely fall under the definition of terrorism, rendering the accused ineligible for bail. After completion of arguments, the court rejected the post-arrest bail application.
According to the case record, the incident occurred in I-8 Markaz when the accused was stopped by traffic police personnel for reckless driving. Police said the suspect got into a violent altercation after being intercepted for reckless driving and drifting. When confronted, he allegedly became aggressive, assaulted the officers and hurled verbal abuse.
The FIR, lodged on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Gul Hassan at the I-9 police station, states that the accused endangered public safety through dangerous driving and later attempted to run over the officers who tried to stop him. It further alleges that during the confrontation, the suspect opened fire, damaged a police wireless set and tore a police uniform.
Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2025
