Former Senator and Pakistan Rights Movement (PRM) chief, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, has been placed on a three-day physical remand by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad. The remand is in connection with a protest held in the capital on July 31. The court rejected the prosecution’s request for a 30-day remand, instead ordering police to produce Mushtaq and co-accused Daniyal before the court again after the three-day period.
The case stems from a Kashmir solidarity rally held at F-10 Markaz in Islamabad. According to the First Information Report (FIR), police allege that Mushtaq led a gathering of 400 to 500 people without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). Authorities claim the protesters attempted to march towards Jinnah Avenue, blocked roads for nearly three hours, delivered inflammatory speeches, damaged public and private property, pelted police with stones, injured officers, and snatched anti-riot equipment during the demonstration.
Based on these allegations, police have registered multiple serious charges, including terrorism, attempted murder, rioting, dacoity, and public order offenses. The FIR names Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, another accused, and approximately 500 unidentified protesters.
During the hearing, prosecutors argued that additional custody was required to recover a vehicle and weapons allegedly linked to the protest. However, the court granted only a limited three-day remand instead of the requested 30 days. At this stage, the allegations remain unproven and will be examined during the ongoing investigation and future court proceedings.
This protest occurred shortly after another controversy involving Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. The Pakistan Rights Movement claimed he had been briefly detained by Punjab Police after allegedly being prevented from entering Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) while attempting to visit areas affected by recent unrest. Punjab Police denied that he had been taken into custody. Mushtaq later announced his release and subsequently called for the July 31 gathering, describing it as a peaceful event to express condolences, show solidarity with Kashmir, and promote peace and reconciliation.
The case has attracted nationwide attention because Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is not only a former senator but also a well-known rights activist who was part of Pakistan’s Global Sumud Flotilla delegation last year. These proceedings come amid heightened political tensions over Kashmir-related demonstrations and a broader crackdown on protests linked to recent unrest in AJK. Police will continue their investigation during the remand period before presenting the accused before the court again.
