ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge on Monday expressed anger over the absence of defense counsel Asad Jamal in a case pertaining to posting and sharing blasphemous content on social media sites and ordered for completion of cross-examination of witnesses in the next hearing.
ATC-II Judge Shahrukh Arjumand resumed hearing of the case when the assistant counsel told the court that the senior lawyer was unable to appear before the court due to his engagements. The ATC judge expressed frustration over the absence and ordered an end to such behaviour.
It was revealed during the course of the proceedings that more than 18 witnesses had so far testified in the case but cross examination was pending due to permanent absence of the defense counsel.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had registered an FIR under against the accused Nasir Ahmed and others for sharing blasphemous content on social media.
Hearing of the case was adjourned till December 12.