AFTER MORE THAN A MONTH A MONTH, DR FAROOQ SATTAR WAS PRODUCED IN THE SINDH HIGH COURT

London – 4 January 2000

Today on 04 January 2000, the Sindh High Court had fixed the hearing on the habeas corpus constitutional petition filed by Mr Abdul Sattar Peerani, father of Dr Farooq Sattar. Earlier on 27, 29, 31 December 1999 and 3 January 2000, the Sindh High Court Bench had ordered the present government to produce Dr Farooq Sattar.

Heavy contingent of Para Military Rangers, Police and other plain cloth personnel cordoned off the Sindh High Court. Some vehicles carrying Dr. Farooq Sattar entered courtroom from the back door. At around 9.30 am Pakistan Time, the court hearing is still in progress. Dr Farooq Sattar is the Member of MQM Central Co-ordination Committee, the Parliamentary Leader of the MQM in the suspended Provincial Assembly of Sindh and the former Mayor of Karachi.

Following the court order a meeting of Dr Farooq Sattar was arranged with his family members and lawyers. At around 12.15 pm, he was escorted back to unknown destination amid tight security. Several vehicles of paramilitary rangers and police were amongst the contingent carrying Dr Farooq Sattar.

A very large number of MQM workers and supporters including its leaders, Members of Co-ordination Committee, elected representatives, all the wings particularly the MQM Legal Aid Committee were present at the Sindh High Court.

The court has fixed 25 January 2000, as the next date for hearing the constitutional petition.

It should be recalled that in November 1999, the local administration and the law enforcement personnel raided the house of Dr Farooq Sattar to arrest him. During this raid, his house was ransacked and his personal assistant was severely tortured and arrested. On 26 November 1999, at the Karachi Press Club Dr Farooq Sattar addressed a press conference and presented himself for voluntary arrest.