ATC grants bail to Imaan, Hadi in clash case

Judge approves release against surety bonds

ISLAMABAD:

An Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday granted bail to lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in a case involving allegations of blocking a road and clashing with police.

ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the bail applications and approved them against surety bonds of Rs5,000 each, with lawyer Riasat Ali Azad appearing on behalf of the accused.

During the hearing, police submitted the case record to the court. The judge then asked the parties whether they wished to make any further submissions before announcing his decision. Referring to the show-cause notice matter involving the police, the judge said, "I will look into the matter concerning the show-cause notice to the police."

The court subsequently approved the bail applications of both Imaan and Chattha.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Islamabad's Kohsar Police Station, which was filed last year and concerned a protest in the grounds of the Islamabad Press Club, Imaan and Hadi led a Baloch Student Council protest with at least 150 demonstrators present. The FIR added that the participants raised anti-state slogans and those against state institutions through loudspeakers and megaphones, while also obstructing police from carrying out their duties.

Filed under Sections 186, 188, 341, 353, and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the FIR stated that the participants took a rally out and blocked a road, upon which police informed them that this was against Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Tuesday's verdict came less than a week after an ATC sentenced Imaan and Hadi to 10 years in prison each in a case involving the removal of security barriers. Both were convicted under Section 186 of the PPC and sentenced to "1-year Simple Imprisonment" with a fine of Rs50,000 each, the order stated.

The court also convicted both under Section 353 of the PPC and sentenced them to 2 years' simple imprisonment.\",FIAZ MAHMOOD,National

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