Former Malir SSP Rao Anwar’s request to leave the city to spend Eid with his family was approved on Saturday by an anti-terrorism court in Karachi. Anwar is accused of killing Waziristan native Naqeebullah Mehsud in a fake encounter.

The former cop said his family is coming from Dubai to celebrate Eidul Azha and because of security risks, he cannot spend Eid with them in Karachi. The former cop said he is in danger from shadowy organisations and has come on record saying this before.

Lawyer Salahuddin Panhwar objected to the request and said the court cannot make a decision on this request.

The court replied that suspects can leave the city to meet their families but cannot leave the country. The court approved the request and said he is allowed to go to any city in the country to meet his family.

The investigation officer in the case, Dr Rizwan, failed to appear before the court, causing the judge to remark that if he does not want to work he should let the court know. The judge said the case was being negatively impacted by the officer’s continued absence.

The court issued a show cause notice to the investigation officer. He has been told to attend the next hearing and bring with him a progress report.

The next hearing has been set for September 18. The lawyers will argue on Anwar’s acquittal plea at the next hearing.