An additional district and sessions court in Malir has granted interim bail to the main accused in the assault case involving University of Karachi professor Dr Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi.
Syed Muhammad Konain Shah, son of Syed Ali Gohar, received bail against surety bonds of Rs20,000. The court directed him to join the ongoing investigation and summoned the investigating officer for the next hearing. Proceedings on the bail application were adjourned until 21 September.
The incident took place near Safoora Chowrangi after a collision between a double-cabin vehicle and an online taxi carrying Dr Saqi and his nephew. Police confirmed that the taxi was being driven by the professor’s nephew, Waheedur Rehman.
According to Dr Saqi, the double-cabin vehicle was coming out of a parking area when guards stopped the taxi. The vehicle then reversed and hit the taxi. When the professor asked the occupants to compensate the taxi driver for the damage, the hotel owner’s son stepped out, fired two shots and struck him with pistol butts. Aerial firing followed.
Dr Saqi and his nephew were then taken to a nearby hotel where they were allegedly tortured. Videos of the assault later circulated widely on social media, showing the professor being beaten.
Police registered a case at Sachal police station on the professor’s complaint. The FIR includes charges of attempted murder, assault, causing injuries and wrongful confinement. Three hotel employees were detained while efforts continue to arrest the remaining suspects.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar took notice of the matter and sought a detailed report from the SSP East. He stated that the dignity and safety of teachers would be protected at all costs and promised legal action against those involved. The SSP East also confirmed that strict action would be taken under the law.
The court will now examine the investigation report on the next date while Konain Shah remains on interim bail.
