ATC extends Rashid’s judicial remand

A Rawalpindi-based special anti-terrorism court (ATC) has extended the judicial remand of former interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad while dismissing the interim bail plea in a case pertaining to the May 9 riots.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Malik Ijaz Asif of the special ATC extended the former security czar’s judicial remand till February 6 and rejected his plea to be released on interim bail.

The court also rejected his request to record a video statement for the public as part of his ongoing election campaign.

Read: Sheikh Rashid moves ATC for bail

The former interior minister was, however, permitted to sign the appointment of polling agents for polling day from within the premises of Adiala jail, where he has been confined.

At the start of the hearing, Rashid appeared in the court and sought permission to address the people of his constituency, saying “I am a candidate from NA-56 but since I am contesting from jail, I should be granted permission to campaign.” However, his plea was rejected, and he was only allowed to appoint polling agents for the elections that he would be contesting with a quill and inkpot as his election symbol. The defendant’s counsel, Sardar Abdul Raziq, adopted the stance that his client was not given the facilities of a B Class prisoner as per court orders.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2024.