Former Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza. PHOTO: INP
The estranged Pakistan Peoples Party leader, besides being booked in a number of other cases, was implicated on May 16 for obstructing, threatening and assaulting police personnel when he went to the Darakhshan police station to record his statement on court orders. Being on interim bail, Mirza had sought permission from the trial court to travel to the United States, pleading that his wife was suffering from a chronic disease and needed urgent medical treatment that was not available in the country.
When ATC-III judge Saleem Raza Baloch took up the matter for hearing, both the sides submitted their contentions. Defence counsel Sheikh Jawed Mir argued that his client was facing politically motivated cases on the instigation of his rivals, who occupied high positions in government circles. All the courts trying Mirza had given him permission to travel with his wife, Mir pointed out, pleading the judge to give the same order.
However, special public prosecutor Muhammad Khan Burero opposed this, contending that the accused was facing serious charges, including those of terrorism and inciting a mini rebellion against the state. The hearing on Wednesday took place in an open court, with Mirza seeking exemption from appearing. The judge confirmed the bail of all the accused in the case. He also observed that the court had no objection if Mirza wanted to travel abroad and disposed of his plea.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 11th, 2015.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ