ATC extends interim bail of PTI leader

A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s former federal parliamentary secretary Sheikh Rashid Shafiq until November 18 in four cases pertaining to rioting, vandalism, arson and attack on Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters, army museum and office of sensitive institution.

At the onset of the hearing in the court of ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif, defence counsel Advocate Abdul Raziq adopted the stance that the accused went to the police station, joined the investigation in all four cases and recorded his statements. “There is no evidence available against him on record, therefore, the bail should be confirmed,” the counsel contended.

On the other hand, the public prosecutor argued that although it was true that the accused joined the investigation, the investigation was still ongoing and therefore, a few days should be granted. “After completing the investigation, a report will be submitted to the court,” he told the court.

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Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing and ordered the prosecution to complete the investigation and submit its report on the next date of the hearing. Sheikh Rashid Shafiq also appeared in the court.

On Tuesday, a special ATC judge while granting interim bail to former federal interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq on personal surety in other cases related to the May 9 incidents, issued notices to the state seeking its response by November 18.

The development had come just a day after a Rawalpindi-based ATC granted interim bail to the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief against surety bonds worth Rs50,000, restraining the Waris Khan police from arresting Rashid for at least one week in connection with the case pertaining to the incidents of May 9.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2023.