KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar, on Saturday, was exempted by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) from appearing for the hearing of a hate speech case.
Sattar faces charges in connection with cases pertaining to the August 22 speech of MQM founder Altaf Hussain.
The speech triggered a violent protest, arson attacks and ransacking of media houses.
A number of other MQM leaders are also charged in the case along with Sattar.
On Saturday, case proceedings, could not take place because of Sattar’s absence. When asked about the reason for the MQM-P chief’s absence, his lawyer told the court that Sattar could not be present for the hearing due to medical problems and requested an exemption for his client.
Sattar was granted exemption from appearing in court for this hearing. However, the ATC ordered his lawyer to ensure that the MQM-P leader appears in the next hearing of the case while adjourning the hearing till February 3.
Sattar’s presence is required in court for the next hearing as he is to receive a copy of the evidence from the prosecution.
Other MQM leaders who are nominated in the case were present in court for the hearing on Saturday.
