Naushahro
The hearings of multiple high-profile cases — including the attack and arson on Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar’s residence, two riot-related cases in Moro, and the Aminani police station encounter case in Dadu — were conducted in the District and Sessions Court due to the absence of a judge at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
Former federal minister Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi and his brother, former provincial minister Masroor Jatoi, appeared before the court in connection with these cases. After hearing arguments from the defense lawyers, the court adjourned the hearings of the two cases related to the attack on the home minister’s residence until November 19, while the Moro riot cases were postponed until November 14. The Aminani police encounter case involving Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi was adjourned until November 4.
The cases stem from violent incidents that took place during political unrest in Naushahro Feroze, Moro, and Dadu, where allegations of arson, rioting, and armed confrontation with police were made. The absence of an ATC judge has led to delays in proceedings, transferring temporary jurisdiction to the district-level courts.
Speaking to the media outside the court, National Peoples Party (NPP) chief Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi strongly criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh. He said, “The situation in Sindh is worsening day by day. Even elected representatives of the ruling party are no longer safe. The attack on MNA Zulfiqar Behan’s home is a deeply regrettable incident, and we condemn it in the strongest terms.”
He emphasized that despite political differences, maintaining Sindh’s social and moral traditions is essential. “Our visit to Zulfiqar Behan’s residence was a gesture of solidarity — we can have political disagreements, but we must not abandon our values,” he said.
Jatoi also lamented the misuse of power and the state’s failure to ensure justice. “The government’s condition has become such that I, a former federal minister, am being labeled as a goat thief, a motorcycle thief, and an assailant in police encounters. I appear in courts regularly to face these fabricated cases,” he added with frustration.
