K-P CM to be indicted in leaks case next month

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Thursday extended the interim bail of the accused in a vandalism case, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, till July 5.

Duty Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case in the absence of ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. Judge Zulqarnain also approved Gandapur’s application for exemption from personal appearance in the case.

PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz appeared in court along with their lawyer Babar Awan.

Separately, an additional district and sessions judge in Islamabad set July 5 as the date for the indictment of Gandapur and another accused, Asad Khan, in an audio leaks case. A request for exemption from personal appearance was filed on behalf of Gandapur, which the court approved.

The court later adjourned till July 5.

Interim bail, also known as temporary or provisional bail, is a legal provision that allows an accused person to be released from custody for a limited period while awaiting trial or a final decision on their bail application. This type of bail is typically granted when the court needs more time to examine the circumstances of the case before making a final decision on whether to grant regular bail.