ATC orders release of PTI's Omar, others

Issues contempt notices to police officers for disregarding PHC's interim bail orders

RAWALPINDI:

In an interesting development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday ordered the release of National Assembly Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub Khan and four other PTI leaders, who were rounded a day earlier.

The PTI leaders—Omar Ayub, Raja Basharat, Ahmed Chattha, Sajid Dhanyal and Muhammad Azeem—were arrested on Thursday as soon as they came out of Adiala's Gate No 5 after hearing of the GHQ attack case. Police had booked them under various charges in view of the PTI's recent march in Islamabad.

Police on Friday presented the accused in the ATC of Judge Syed Amjad Ali Shah, who is also presiding over the GHQ attack case. They requested the court to remand the accused in custody.

The PTI lawyers opposed the request, contending that the Peshawar High Court (PHC) had already granted interim bail to their clients in the case.

Defense lawyer Faisal Chaudhry stated the police officials who made the arrest were shown the PHC order. However, they disregarded it. According to Chaudhry, the officials were taking instructions over the phone from some "influential individuals".

He said that after their arrest, the PTI leaders were held unlawfully at the Adiala police post for four and a half hours. Later, they were transferred to the Civil Lines police station late at night.

The court expressed displeasure over the arrest of the NA opposition leader and other PTI leaders, questioning why they were detained despite being granted bail by the PHC.

It later ordered release of the accused and also issued contempt notices to five police officials. It also directed that no detainee should be arrested within 500 yards of the prison premises in the future.

During the hearing held at Adiala Jail, the officials tendered an unconditional apology which the court rejected and ordered them to submit their replies on December 7 (today).