ATC grants bail to five PTI leaders in judicial complex vandalism case

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Monday granted bail to Pakistan Tereek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Ali Nawaz Awan, Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub, Omar Sultan, and Colonel (Retd) Asim in the Judicial Complex vandalism case.

The case pertains to an incident when PTI leaders and workers were accused of attacking, vandalizing, and damaging the judicial complex.

The incident led to the registration of a case by the Islamabad police, citing sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and other relevant laws​. The charges included provoking a mob, leading to significant property damage and attempts to attack the complex under an organized plan.

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Judge Tahir Abbas Supra presided over the hearings, with PTI lawyer Babar Awan and other legal representatives presenting their arguments. PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Amjad Niazi, Ali Nawaz Awan, and several party workers were also present in court.

Awan requested the court to decide on the bail applications of those present, noting that some accused could not attend the hearing. Judge Supra inquired about the absence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and sought confirmation on whether he would attend future sessions.

PTI lawyers assured the court they would verify and report back. Awan mentioned that Omar Ayub needed to appear before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in Lahore.

Judge Supra remarked that all accused stood on equal footing, stating that if bail applications were rejected, it would apply to all simultaneously. He emphasized that a collective decision would be made for all bail applications.

Awan argued that under Section 497, an accused person who surrenders before the court is entitled to bail, referencing that the court had previously approved bail for the PTI founder and Asad Umar under similar circumstances.

Judge Supra questioned if there was any precedent preventing the hearing of bail applications for those previously declared absconders, noting that the court was reconsidering the applications despite their withdrawal.

Gandapur's lawyer, Raja Zahoor, filed an exemption request from attendance for the CM of KP, explaining that Gandapur was in Kurram where the situation was deteriorating.

Judge Supra instructed PTI lawyers to provide references to the judicial decisions they cited. Due to Gandapur’s absence, the court adjourned the hearing until September 4.