QUETTA (MNN); An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta on Monday granted the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) three days of physical remand of former police surgeon Dr Ayesha Faiz in connection with a case registered against her.
Special ATC Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen issued the order after CTD officials produced Dr Ayesha before the court and requested her custody for further interrogation and investigation.
According to officials, multiple cases and inquiries involving the former police surgeon are currently under process. Authorities said cases have been registered with the Counter-Terrorism Department, while inquiries are also reportedly being conducted by the National Commission for Child Rights (NCCI).
The CTD sought physical custody of Dr Ayesha to continue its investigation into the allegations contained in the case registered against her. After hearing the request, the court allowed the CTD to keep her in physical remand for three days.
Home Minister Clarifies Reason Behind Arrest
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Lango said the action against Dr Ayesha Faiz was taken in connection with her alleged statements against the state and state institutions.
Responding to questions about reports suggesting that her arrest was linked to her recent criticism of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the provincial home minister, Lango rejected those claims.
He said he was not concerned about personal criticism and maintained that the matter was not related to any remarks directed at him personally or against the chief minister.
According to the home minister, the case relates specifically to allegations concerning statements made against the state and its institutions, which he said prompted the Counter-Terrorism Department to register the case and initiate legal proceedings.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details regarding the specific allegations contained in the cases or the full nature of the ongoing investigations.
The three-day physical remand will allow investigators to question Dr Ayesha Faiz in connection with the allegations and collect evidence as part of the inquiry.
The case has attracted attention in Balochistan because Dr Ayesha previously served as a police surgeon and her arrest followed public discussions and reports concerning her recent statements.
Under Pakistan’s criminal justice system, a physical remand allows investigating authorities to keep a suspect in custody for a limited period after obtaining permission from a competent court. The accused must subsequently be produced before the court, which may decide whether further remand, judicial custody or another legal course is warranted under the applicable law.
The developments are being closely watched as investigations by the CTD and other relevant authorities continue. Further legal proceedings will depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiries and evidence presented before the courts.
