Karachi’s City Court on Saturday barred Muhammad Ahmed, a business partner of murder victim Mir Raza Ali, from leaving the city without permission until the investigation into the case is completed.

The court was hearing Muhammad Ahmed’s bail application in the Mir Raza Ali murder case.

The victim’s father appeared before the court along with his lawyers, while Muhammad Ahmed also attended the hearing with his counsel.

During the proceedings, Muhammad Ahmed’s lawyer alleged that his client had been harassed by the former investigating officer and was called to the crime scene instead of being summoned to the police station.

Prosecutor Jibran Nasir, however, rejected the harassment claim, saying Muhammad Ahmed had not been harassed but had been called as part of the investigation.

He said investigators had questioned 35 witnesses and several other people in connection with the case.

Lawyer Jibran Nasir said that Mir Raza Ali had been murdered and argued that granting bail to his business partner at this stage could lead other people linked to the case to seek similar relief.

Muhammad Ahmed’s lawyer said his client was the deceased’s business partner and had been cooperating with police, but feared arrest.

The court questioned why Muhammad Ahmed had sought bail if he was not an accused in the case.

The judge directed Muhammad Ahmed’s counsel to decide by the next hearing whether to pursue or withdraw the bail application.

The court also made it clear that regardless of whether bail was granted, Muhammad Ahmed would be required to join the investigation.

Muhammad Ahmed told the court that he appeared at the police station whenever summoned by investigators.

The court barred Muhammad Ahmed from leaving Karachi without permission until the investigation is completed and directed him to continue cooperating with investigators.

The court adjourned the hearing until August 24, when it will decide whether Muhammad Ahmed’s bail application should be pursued or withdrawn.