ATC extends PTI chief’s bail in three terrorism cases

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) Wednesday extended the bail of the PTI chairman in three cases relating to violence outside the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) and the Islamabad High Court (IHC) until July 26.

After being accused of leading mobs, the former premier was booked by the capital’s Ramna police in two cases in early March.

A third case was filed against him by the Golra police station for allegedly causing unrest outside the FJC when he went there on March 18 for a Toshakhana case hearing.

During the last proceedings, the ATC had issued bailable arrest warrants for the PTI chief and summoned him on July 19. The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Abul Hasnaat Muhammad Zulfikar today.

The PTI chief later reached the courtroom along with his legal team led by Salman Safdar.

At the outset of the hearing, the judge asked the police to declare the suspect innocent if he was innocent or present any evidence they had.

The judge warned them that if the investigation was not conducted properly, he would personally summon the police inspector general.

The PTI chairman’s lawyer argued that the former prime minister had been wrongly implicated in the case. He added: “If there is nothing against him, then let us know, and we will withdraw our bail plea.”

Hel also expressed concern about the police serving as both the complainant and investigator in the cases.

The judge briefly called the PTI chief to the rostrum as both sides furnished their arguments. After considering the arguments, the court granted bail to the former premier in three cases until July 26.