May 9 riots: ATC extends Rashid’s bail in 10 cases

Court expresses displeasure over failure to present record of cases

RAWALPINDI:

A Rawalpindi-based Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Saturday extended the interim bails of former federal interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq until January 4, 2024, in 10 cases related to May 9 vandalism.

The cases in which Rashid and his nephew’s interim bails were extended by the court ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif include the GHQ attack, the army museum attack, the intelligence agency office attack and setting the metro bus station on fire.

During the case proceedings, the public prosecutor told the court that the investigation was under way and sought sufficient time. However, the court expressed its displeasure over not presenting the record of the cases and directed to complete the investigation and submit the record by the next date.

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During Saturday’s hearing the former interior minister and his nephew were also present in the courtroom. When the prosecutors asked for more time, Rashid came to the rostrum, took out a pocket-sized copy of the Holy Quran from his pocket and took an oath by saying: “I swear by Almighty Allah that I have nothing to do with the events of May 9.”

The ATC judge remarked that it was not appropriate to give a statement on the Holy Quran in the court. The counsel for the former interior minister, Advocate Sardar Abdul Raziq, adopted the stance that the prosecution had no evidence against his client.

“The names of Sheikh Rashid and Rashid Shafiq were included in these cases without any basis. So far the prosecution has sought time on four occasions but is not ready to present arguments. On every date, a new excuse is made and more respite is taken,” Rashid’s counsel upheld.

Giving the last chance to the prosecution, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till January 4 next year.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2023.