RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rasheed was arrested in case related to May 9 riots, shortly after he secured bail in 11 other related cases including GHQ attack case.

Court had reserved judgment on bail requests of 24 people, including three PTI candidates and Rasheed a day earlier.

Besides Rasheed, ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif also approved interim bail for former Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and other PTI workers in cases linked to riots.

Rasheed’s bail was subject to payment of surety bond worth Rs 100,000. AML Chief’s lawyer, Advocate Sardar Abdul Razzaq mentioned earlier that bail was confirmed in two cases, with decision for remaining 10 cases expected shortly. Interim bail was anticipated for remaining cases due to similar allegations and evidence.

Advocate Razzaq expressed confidence in fairness and independence of ATC judges, including Judge Ijaz. During the proceedings, public prosecutor told court that investigation was underway and sought sufficient time. However, court expressed its displeasure over not presenting record of cases and directed authorities to complete investigation and submit record by next date.

Rasheed and his nephew Rashid Shafique were implicated in 12 cases connected to May 9 riots. All ten police stations had requested Rasheed’s arrest to complete investigation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 17 2024

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