Rangers suspend four personnel over Aftab Ahmed's death: sources

Sources said the paramilitary personnel were suspended following initial investigations into the death of Aftab Ahmed. The MQM welcomed the move and expressed hopes that all obligations for the delivery of justice will be fulfilled in the case.

Ahmed was the coordinator of Farooq Sattar, deputy convener of MQM coordination committee. He was detained by the law enforcers during a raid near MQM headquarters Nine Zero on May 01.

He was presented before a judge of the anti-terrorism court (ATC) the following day along with seven other suspects. Rangers had informed the ATC judge about 90-day detention of the suspects, including Aftab Ahmed, for interrogation.

Aftab Alam was brought at Jinnah Hospital in serious condition in the morning on May 03, but he died shortly afterwards.

The MQM claimed that it was a ‘custodial death’ and urged the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, corps commander and DG Rangers to investigate the death of its activist.

On May 04,  the army chief, in an unprecedented move, ordered investigations into the death of Aftab Ahmed during Rangers custody.

The COAS ordered the relevant authorities to ensure provision of justice in the case. He said a probe report be prepared inquiring facts into the death of activist and the same should be sent to General Headquarters (GHQ).

A high-level investigation body was formed on the orders of DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar to investigate the motives behind Ahmed’s death.