A sessions court in Karachi has issued notices to the prosecutor and complainant for Friday, September 6, regarding a post-arrest bail application filed by Natasha Danish. The woman driver involved in Karsaz accident faces charges of recklessly driving.
Natasha Danish’s counsel, Aamir Mansoob Qureshi, submitted the bail application before Additional District and Sessions Judge (East) Shahid Ali Memon. Qureshi argued that his client arrived in Pakistan on August 2 and holds a British driving license valid for six months. He contended that Danish’s medical history, which includes ongoing psychiatric treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital for the past 19 years, impaired her judgment and perception, making it difficult for her to foresee the consequences of her actions.
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During the hearing, Judge Memon issued notices to the deputy district public prosecutor (East), the investigating officer, and the complainant, scheduling the next appearance for September 6. Meanwhile, another plea was filed by Danish’s defense before Judicial Magistrate (East) Muhammad Raza Ansari, seeking bail in a separate drug case. The magistrate also issued notices for September 6 to the complainant and the state prosecutor in this matter.
Qureshi argued that his client was falsely implicated in the case under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which pertains to punishment for qatl-bis-sabab (culpable homicide). He asserted that the alleged incident was not due to wilful negligence but rather an unforeseen accident potentially worsened by Danish’s medical condition. He claimed that adding Sections 322 and 320 (punishment for qatl-i-khata by rash or negligent driving) to the FIR was unjustifiable and excessive.
The defense also highlighted what it claimed were procedural flaws in the investigation. Qureshi noted that the investigating officer had collected Danish’s blood and urine samples on August 19, but submitted them for examination with a two-day delay, raising concerns about the chain of custody. He further alleged that the IO had unlawfully obtained a second blood sample after the court had dismissed the application to do so, suggesting an attempt to manipulate evidence.
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In support of her legal driving status, Qureshi submitted copies of Danish’s British passport and driving license, asserting that her UK license, valid until 2031, was internationally recognized and legally valid in Pakistan for six months after her arrival. He argued that the relevant PPC sections should not apply in this case.
In a related development, Danish Iqbal, Natasha Danish’s husband, sought interim bail from the sessions court after obtaining protective bail from the Sindh High Court. The court granted him interim bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000 and issued notices for September 6 to the deputy district public prosecutor (East) to confirm or otherwise the interim bail.
The legal proceedings continue as the court evaluates the various bail applications and addresses the broader issues raised by the defense.
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