Bail approved for alleged assassination plotter

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) confirmed the interim bail of alleged mastermind, Mian Haseeb Vicky, in the assassination attempt on MPA Bilal Yasin. On December 31, two shooters riding a motorcycle had opened fire on MPA Yasin on Mohni Road, at Vicky’s behest. The court ordered the accused to submit surety bonds of Rs100,000. ATC Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar heard the bail application.

The accused along with his defense counsel, Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, appeared before the court, arguing that the defendant had been nominated 12 days after the incident occurred, in light of supplementary statements from a witness.

The defense submitted that the allegation of the consultation was based on speculations and that an old enmity was the only reason the defendant was nominated in the matter. Defense counsel plead with the court to confirm the interim bail of his client as police did not have any evidence against him.

However, the prosecution opposed the plea, stated that the attack was made on behest of the accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2022.