Joint investigation team (JIT) member and prosecution witness Tariq Ilyas’s statement was recorded in the anti terrorism court (ATC) on Monday in former prime minister (PM) Benazir Bhutto murder case.
Rawalpindi ATC Judge Rai Ayub Marth was hearing the case.JIT members, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tahir Ayub and Inspector Tariq Ilyas appeared before the court and they requested for time to prepare for cross-examination.
During the hearing Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the court that United States (US) journalist, Mark Siegel would be available for cross examination on 4 and 5 November through video link. The court was informed that former president Pervez Musharraf’s counsels would cross-examine the journalist on a video link.
The hearing was adjourned until 28 October while orders of JIT members’ appearance in the hearing were maintained.
Earlier, the ATC had reinforced its arrest order of SSP Tahir Ayub. The court had issued non-bailable arrest warrant of Inspector Tariq Ilyas Kiyani following the warrants of SSP Ayub. The ATC had ordered security department to present the persons in hearing.
The previous hearing saw conclusion of plaintiff’s cross examination, Inspector Kashif Riaz by alleged criminals’ team of counsels.
The court was told that reports suggest that JIT member and important witness in the case, SSP Tahir Ayub had fled the country. Flyers were displayed outside his residence in Islamabad and the court.
The prints stated that Ayub is hiding to avoid arrest. However, the ATC was resented over his absence despite ads and issuance of arrest warrant.
