Rashid’s bail extended in May 9 rioting cases

Former interior minister nominated in nearly two dozen cases

RAWALPINDI:

An anti-terrorism court on Saturday extended the interim bail of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and his nephew in 23 cases related to rioting on May 9 including attacks on sensitive installations including the army’s headquarters.

Justice Malik Ejaz Asif issued the orders to extend the bails of Rashid and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq by one week till November 25.

Rashid and his nephew were present in the courtroom.

The court ordered the public prosecutors to appear in court at the next hearing and give arguments. In Saturday’s hearing, the prosecution had sought an adjournment from the court.

Read Court issues notices over Sheikh Rashid’s plea

They maintained that the cases were still under investigation and they should be given time for the investigation report.

The defence counsel Sardar Abdul Raziq pointed out that it had been three weeks since interim bail was granted while the prosecution still wanted more time. He argued that the cases registered against his client were a result of retaliation and political vendetta.

The court granted the request for an extension while ordering the prosecutors to present their arguments at the next hearing.

Outside the court, Rashid told the media that the ATC had extended his bail in 23 cases. He said that so far 68 registered cases against him had been reported before adding that the number was likely to grow.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2023.