ATC extends lawmaker's bail

An anti-terrorism court on Monday extended the interim bail of MPA Hafiz Farhat Abbas until June 10 in four cases related to the May 9 riots, including the attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill heard the petitions seeking interim bail in the arson and vandalism cases registered against the lawmaker.

The defence counsel argued that the cases had been registered on political grounds and contrary to facts, maintaining that Hafiz Farhat Abbas had no involvement in the incidents.

The petitions requested the court to confirm the interim bail granted to the accused.

During the hearing, the MPA appeared before the court as his previous interim bail period had expired.

The prosecution informed the court that the case record was currently with the Lahore High Court and sought additional time to produce it before the trial court.

Accepting the prosecution's request, the court extended the interim bail of Hafiz Farhat Abbas until June 10.