May 9 events case: ATC extends interim bails of Asad Umar, Imran’s sisters

F.P. Report

LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore on Monday extended interim bails of PTI leader Asad Umar and former prime minister’s sisters in May 9 events case.

The ATC judge Arshad Javed conducted hearing of the applications for extension in interim bails of PTI chief’s sisters and Asad Umar in connection with May 9 violence and arson acts. Asad Umar appeared in the court.

During the proceedings, police failed to furnish record of the case to the court. Counsel for Umar told court they had already joined investigations. He said could they know what progress had been made so far in the case.

The public prosecutor said that investigation officer had suffered a heart attack and could not furnish record of the case to the court. Reacting to this, Umar’s lawyer said they were making the same excuses in other such cases and they should be made bound to submit case record on the next hearing date.

The court summoned the counsels from both sides on the next hearing date for final arguments in the case.  Later, the court extended interim bails of Umar, PTI chairman’s sisters and others in the case till October 31.

PTI leader Asad Umar on Monday said in his opinion elections should be held as early as possible. Speaking to media outside anti-terrorism court, Umar said

Nawaz Sharif and PTI chairman should be allowed to contest elections and rest should be left on the masses. He said keeping mum on Palestine situation would not give any benefit to government from abroad. He was of the view that Pakistan should raise voice for innocent Kashmiris and Palestinians.

Umar said reduction in petroleum products prices was a necessary outcome of its low prices in the international market. He said the reduction in petrol price would give benefit to people only if fares would go down and prices of other commodities would see a downward trend.

He said PTI was not allowed to hold rally. Everything was in the knowledge of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). He said PTI’s application for permission to hold rally was in court. Umar said every party should be allowed to hold rallies which was the only fair and just way.