Vandalism: Gullu’s appeal against conviction adjourned

LHC gives time to Butt’s counsel to prepare case

LAHORE: Lahore High Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of a petition filed by Gullu Butt, seeking the suspension of his jail term and release on bail.

As the proceedings started on Monday, a deputy prosecutor general told the court that according to a Supreme Court decision, a punishment awarded under Anti Terrorism Act (ATA) could not be suspended.

The judge asked the petitioner’s counsel for his view on the point. He sought more time from the court for preparation. The court then adjourned the proceedings for an indefinite period.

Shahid Aziz alias Gullu Butt was accused of smashing private vehicles with a club outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat in Model Town on June 17 when police were trying to remove barriers from in front of the residence of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri. Police personnel did not stop Butt and were seen encouraging him.

The Faisal Town police had registered a case against Butt. On October 30, 2014, the court had sentenced Butt to 11 years in prison and had also fined him Rs100,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2015.