Court warns accused over refusal to appoint counsel in ATC in Mustafa Amir murder case

Proceedings in ATC VII (Case No. 89/2025) witnessed tense moments as the bail application of Shiraz Bukhari was taken up in court.

Regarding the bail plea, his legal team declined to advance arguments, informing the court that their senior counsel would address the matter on the next hearing date. The development caused visible concern in the courtroom, given that the bail application had already been formally moved.

During the hearing, the accused, Armaghan, again disrupted proceedings by refusing to appoint legal counsel.

The presiding judge made it clear that legal representation is mandatory. The court stated that if the accused declines to engage private counsel, a state-appointed lawyer will be assigned, as representation forms an essential part of due process and the trial cannot proceed without it.

The accused also attempted to divert attention through disruptive conduct, criticising what he described as a corrupt system and alleging external involvement, repeating tactics observed in previous hearings.

The court confirmed that copies under Section 265-C have been supplied. The next hearing, scheduled for 26 February 2026, will address the mother’s application for medical grounds, framing of charges, and further arguments on the bail application of Shiraz Bukhari.