F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has approved bail application of Awami Muslim League (AML) leader and former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad pertaining to murder plot allegations against former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari.
The court while pronouncing its verdict reserved earlier on Thursday ordered Sheikh Rashid to submit surety bond of Rs50,000.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani announced the verdict reserved earlier in the day after hearing arguments from Barrister Salman Akram Raja, the counsel for the former interior minister, and Islamabad Advocate General Jahangir Khan Jadoon.
During the proceedings on Thursday, Salman Raja said his client gave a statement that was broadcast on news channels, adding there was no evidence that Sheikh Rashid’s statement caused confrontation between the PTI and the PPP.
The government’s lawyer said the AML chief was a senior politician and he should exercise extra caution while uttering statements. He further said Sheikh Rashid publicly maligned Asif Zardari and his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
At which, Salman Raja contended that the advocate general was giving irrelevant arguments.
An investigation officer in the case told the court that he obtained details of Sheikh Rashid’s statement from Pemra, adding the AML leader had said that he had received information about murder plot allegations against Asif Zardari from PTI Chairman Imran Khan. He said the AML chief could not provide evidence regarding the allegations.
The advocate general said if Sheikh Rashid submits an undertaking of not repeating the allegations, the court could decide on his bail plea.
