The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi remanded Chanesar Town Chairman Farhan Ghani and others into police custody on physical remand until August 28 in a case of alleged violence against government employees.

During the hearing at Central Jail Karachi, the prosecutor told the court that the accused had allegedly assaulted the complainant and others who were working under official supervision. However, when pressed by the judge about which institution the employees belonged to, the prosecutor could not provide a clear answer.

The court also questioned why the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) had been invoked. The prosecutor argued that violence against government officials justified the terrorism-related charges and requested a 14-day remand for further investigation.

Accused deny allegations

Appearing before the court, Farhan Ghani rejected the allegations, calling them “false and politically motivated.” He said he only stopped to ask workers about their activities and reminded them that, as town chairman, he had the authority to halt unauthorized digging of roads.

“I did not commit any violence. I only asked what they were doing on the road and whether they had permission,” Ghani told the court.

Surrender and initial remand

Earlier, following the registration of the case, Ghani and his colleagues surrendered at Firozabad police station. The court granted police a one-day transit remand before extending custody until August 28 for further investigation.

Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani confirmed his brother’s arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He said Farhan and his associates had presented themselves before police and would prove their innocence in court.

“My brother Farhan Ghani (Town Chairman) and some colleagues had a fight with a person named Sohail yesterday, and today he has registered a case, which is his legal right,” the minister wrote. “All those named in the case have presented themselves before police and will face the law.”