Sheikh Rashid moves ATC for bail

AML chief’s counsel says cases politically motivated

RAWALPINDI:

Former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Thursday moved an anti-terrorist court in Rawalpindi to secure bail in a case related to the May 9 riots.

The application was filed by Sardar Shehbaz Advocate, counsel for the former interior minister. Responding to the application, Judge Malik Ijaz Asif of the special anti-terrorism court has issued notices to New Town SHO and scheduled a hearing for January 20, requesting complete records.

The bail plea contends that the applicant was not present at any location on May 9 and argues that he has been unfairly implicated due to political motives. The application pointed out that bail has already been granted in 13 cases related to the events of May 9 and requested the same. Additionally, Rashidi’s counsellor said his client was willing to submit a surety bond for the satisfaction of the court. With national elections on the horizon, Rashid is actively participating in the election campaign, seeking approval for bail to facilitate his electoral activities.

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Earlier on Wednesday, the AML chief was arrested in a case related to the May 9 riots, shortly after he secured bail in 11 other related cases, including the GHQ attack one. The court had reserved its judgment on the bail requests of 24 people, including three PTI candidates and Rashid a day earlier.

Besides Rashid, ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif also approved interim bail of former Punjab Assembly deputy speaker Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and other PTI workers in cases linked to the riots. Rashid's bail was subject to the payment of a surety bond worth Rs100,000.

On Tuesday, Rashid's lawyer mentioned that bail was confirmed in two cases, with the decision for the remaining 10 cases expected shortly. Interim bail was anticipated in the remaining cases due to similar allegations and evidence.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2024.