Sheikh Rashid released from jail on bail

IHC issues release orders against surety bonds worth Rs50,000

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday granted bail to Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid in the case pertaining to his allegations against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari for plotting to assassinate Imran Khan.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani presided over the hearing of Rashid's post-arrest bail plea and announced the reserved verdict, and issued an order for the former interior minister to deposit surety bonds of Rs50,000.

Rashid’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja, Islamabad Advocate General Jahangir Khan Jadoon and Abpara SHO appeared in the court.

When the court inquired about what has been alleged, the AML leader’s lawyer said that a case was registered on the basis of a statement made by Rashid, which was broadcasted on a news channel.

Reading out the FIR, the lawyer told the court that the case was registered against the senior politician in the Abpara Police Station and that the ex-minister is currently in jail on judicial remand.

The court then asked what information was found during the investigation. The Islamabad advocate general said that Rashid has not denied his statement and that he is still repeating it.

“He has been a member of the National Assembly eight times. Such statements cannot be expected from him,” he said. The advocate general argued that on one hand, Sheikh Rashid is claiming to be a senior politician and on the other, he is raising murder plot allegations again Zardari.

Justice Kayani remarked that “everyone uses parliamentary language,” adding that “when in government another language is used and when one comes to the opposition the language changes”.

The Islamabad AG told the court that Sheikh Rashid has abused Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, using words he could not repeat in front of the court.

“Meanwhile, Sheikh Rashid has repeated his controversial words again and again,” he said, adding that although freedom of expression is a right, “it has some limitations”.

Rashid's lawyer assured the court that such a statement will not be repeated. The advocate general said that if the AML chief submits an undertaking of not repeating the crime, then the court could decide on his bail plea.

“We will have to start training from the primary school curriculum itself,” Justice Kayani remarked.

After hearing the arguments, the court reserved its verdict before approving Sheikh Rashid's bail application.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Rashid was released from Adiala Jail soon after the court approved his bail.

His supporters and workers received Rashid as soon as he came out of jail. The activists showered flower petals on him and shouted slogans.

While talking to the media outside the jail, Sheikh Rashid said that he stayed in "his in-laws" for 15 days.

"I am not afraid of anyone. During the two days and two nights in prison, I was kept in solitary confinement but I forgive everyone," he said.

He said that Rawalpindi is a city of ethnic and genuine people. "I stand with right and truth. I am with Imran Khan. Maryam Nawaz says that Shehbaz Sharif's government is not her government," he said adding that, Shehbaz Sharif works at night.

"I have left half of my belongings in jail. If Imran Khan gives a call, I will give court arrest again. Two nights and two days were painful for me. I forgive those who put me in the hideout. I tell those who took phones and watches from my house to return them, otherwise, I will file a case," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2023.