Court grants bail to Sher Afzal Marwat, other PTI leaders in Islamabad rally case

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted bail to several arrested members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Assembly, including Sher Afzal Marwat and others.

The court ordered their immediate release upon the submission of surety bonds worth Rs30,000 each.

The hearing, presided over by Judge Abu Al-Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, reviewed the cases of the arrested PTI lawmakers.

The prosecutor argued that Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Ahmad Chattha had been named in the case, which carries a minimum sentence of three years.

However, the court inquired whether any evidence had been recovered from Sher Afzal Marwat, Ahmad Chattha, and other legislators, to which the prosecutor confirmed no such recovery had been made.

The arrested PTI members, including Sher Afzal Marwat, Sheikh Waqas, Ahmad Chattha, and others, were booked under anti-terrorism charges in multiple police stations, including Sangjani, Tarnol, and Noon.

Last week on September 9, Islamabad police arrested PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan MNA Sher Afzal Marwat outside Parliament House following a National Assembly session on Monday.

According to Express News, a heavy police presence had gathered outside the Parliament House in anticipation. As PTI leaders exited the building, police took positions and swiftly moved to detain Marwat.

Police officials reported that at least three cases were filed against PTI supporters and leaders at Sangjani and Noon police stations following Sunday's rally.

Police also stormed the parliament last week to arrest several PTI leaders, as well as the head of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Sahibzada Hamid Raza.

The arrests came a day after PTI ventured into a legal minefield to stage its rally in the capital on Sunday, the government wasted no to arrest its leaders for flouting the last-gasp laws hastily enacted ahead of the highly anticipated event – widely seen as a test of embattled party's political muscle.

Cases against PTI leaders

Police in Islamabad had filed three cases against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership for failing to conclude a rally on time,pelting stones on police officers, and violating designated routes.

The cases were registered under the recently-passed Public Order and Peace Act, following the PTI’s public gathering.

The first case was lodged at Sangjani Police Station for the rally exceeding its permitted time limit.

A second case was registered at Sumbal Police Station for violating the pre-approved route by leading convoys through Sadaat Colony and Srinagar Highway.

The third case, filed at Noon Police Station, pertains to stone-pelting on law enforcement officials, including senior superintendent of police (SSP) Safe City and other officers.