ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Wednesday extended the physical remand of nine individuals arrested in connection with the D-Chowk protest for an additional three days. The accused were presented before Judge Abual Hasanat Zulqarnain after their initial four-day remand expired. During the hearing, police requested an extension of the physical remand, citing the need for further investigation. However, defence lawyer Ansar Kayani opposed the request, arguing that the arrests lacked merit. “The role of any accused has not been determined yet. They were arrested from their homes, and the police are merely trying to complete the numbers,” Kayani asserted, urging the court to discharge the accused from the case. Judge Zulqarnain, while granting the police request, directed the investigating officer to conduct the investigation on merit. “Ensure no innocent person is convicted,” the judge emphasised. The court handed the accused back to police custody for three more days to facilitate further inquiries. Judge Zulqarnain also issued notices regarding post-arrest bail applications filed by 56 accused, including three minors, arrested in cases related to the D-Chowk protest. During the hearing on Wednesday, defence lawyers Advocate Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha submitted the bail applications on behalf of the accused. The court directed responses to the bail applications for the three minors to be heard on December 13, while notices on the applications for the remaining 53 accused were scheduled for December 16. The accused, who have been in jail since the end of their physical remand, are reported to belong to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan. In a related development, the interior ministry sought further time from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to submit additional details regarding Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protest at D-Chowk. IHC bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq was hearing a contempt of court petition filed by the traders regarding the alleged violation of court orders during the PTI protest. The interior ministry sought additional time to submit a detailed report on the protest. During proceedings, the chief justice questioned the delay in submission, expressing dissatisfaction. “Why is the report not being submitted? This court had a simple order to maintain law and order while protecting citizens’ rights, yet this matter has been unnecessarily complicated,” he remarked. The report, submitted later by Interior Secretary retired Capt Khurram Ali Agha, outlined the government’s actions. It stated that a committee, including the interior minister, chief commissioner and inspector general (IG), was formed as per court instructions. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was repeatedly contacted and informed to apply under the new law for protests at designated locations. However, no application was submitted, and the PTI proceeded with the D-Chowk protest. The report also emphasised that the administration made security arrangements with minimal disruption to citizens, asserting compliance with the court directives. The IHC adjourned the case till next week, with further deliberations expected after reviewing the report.