KARACHI: A Malir district court on Tuesday granted bail to Konain Shah in a case pertaining to alleged threats against University of Karachi Professor Dr Muhammad Arif Khan Saqi.
Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate-X of Malir approved the bail against a surety bond of Rs20,000.
The development marks the second bail granted to Konain Shah in cases linked to Professor Saqi. The accused had earlier obtained bail in the separate case registered over the alleged torture and assault of the university professor.
Konain had been sent to Malir Jail on judicial remand only a day earlier. Following Tuesday’s order, he is expected to be released from custody.
The latest case stems from allegations that the professor was threatened with serious consequences if he did not withdraw the assault case against the accused.
According to the FIR registered at Sachal police station, Prof Saqi approached police after receiving a WhatsApp call on September 10 at around 2pm. The caller allegedly introduced himself as Konain Shah and asked the professor to withdraw the case.
The FIR states that Prof Saqi refused to do so, after which the caller allegedly became aggressive and threatened to kill him if he continued with the complaint.
The case was registered under provisions dealing with criminal intimidation and the Telegraph Act.
Prof Saqi subsequently sought legal action against the accused.
The professor had earlier disclosed that he turned down an offer for an out-of-court settlement made by Konain Shah’s father, Ali Gohar Shah.
According to Prof Saqi, Ali Gohar Shah visited his residence accompanied by members of the community in an effort to resolve the matter.
“I have refused to compromise,” the professor said, while noting that the accused’s father was elderly and had visited him despite being unwell.
Prof Saqi said the dispute was not about politics but about standing against what he described as a culture of hooliganism.
“Our fight is not against any political party but against the culture of hooliganism,” he said.
The professor also emphasised the importance of protecting the dignity of teachers, saying their status should be respected and preserved.
“A teacher is a permanent institution and a symbol of respect. Teachers are respected across the world,” he said, adding that his objective was to help restore the dignity and standing of educators in society.
