ATC judge recuses himself from hearing Dr Imran Farooq case

ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court judge recused himself from hearing the murder case of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr. Imran Farooq, after an argument with the defence lawyer in the courtroom on Thursday.

ATC judge Kosar Abbas Zaidi was hearing the case when the defence counsel accused the judge of “favouring the prosecution”.

After heated exchange of words, the judge recused himself from the proceedings and left for his chambers.

Defence counsel Mansoor Afridi alleged that the court was “playing the role of a prosecutor as neither challan nor any evidence had been presented against the accused yet”.

Later, the ATC judge met with Islamabad District Bar President Syed Muhammad Tayyab and Islamabad High Court Bar President Tariq Jahangiri in his chambers to lodge a complaint.

IHC bar president Tariq Jahangiri said that the defence counsel’s conduct was unacceptable and that Judge Kosar was ready to tender his resignation.

“Instead of fighting in the court, he could’ve appealed to an appellate forum if the proceedings resulted in an unfavourable decision,” Jahangiri said while talking to reporters.