In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted interim bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. This decision by the court has temporarily halted the possibility of their arrest, providing them with much-needed respite. Let’s delve into the details of this case and understand the implications.
Bail Granted with Surety Bonds and Deadline for Case Records Submission
The IHC approved the interim bail for Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi against surety bonds of Rs100,000 each. Additionally, the court directed the police to present the case records by July 10th. This bail comes in response to a case filed against the PTI leaders at the Tarnol Police Station in the federal capital, relating to the May 9th riots.
Previous Bail Pleas Rejected by Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Supra
Before approaching the IHC, Umar and Qureshi had filed bail pleas at a local court in Islamabad. However, their requests were rejected by Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, leading to tense moments within the district and sessions court. The dismissal of their pleas prompted dramatic scenes as the two leaders swiftly left the courtroom.
Asad Qaiser’s Bail Rejected, PTI Leaders Make Successful Escape
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, another implicated leader, also attempted to evade the consequences. However, his bail plea was rejected in a case registered against him at the Sangjani Police Station. In a coordinated effort to avoid arrest and ensure their escape, Qureshi and Umar strategically heard the verdicts while positioned at the courtroom’s doorstep. Upon the rejection of their bail pleas, they swiftly made their way to the same vehicle and managed to flee the scene.
Qaiser, on the other hand, had left the courtroom moments before the judge pronounced the verdict, which had been reserved earlier. It remains to be seen how this development will impact his situation moving forward.
Approaching the Peshawar High Court and Transitory Bail
Following their successful escape, all three leaders sought refuge by approaching the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday, as they were prohibited from entering Islamabad by the police. The PTI leaders presented their petitions before the PHC, requesting transitory bail to appear before the IHC.
IHC Sets Deadline for Appearance
Considering the circumstances, the IHC granted Qureshi and Umar time until today to present themselves in court. The case was taken up on Thursday, and the court expects the accused leaders to fulfill their obligation by the set deadline.
In conclusion, the interim bail granted by the Islamabad High Court to Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi has provided them with temporary relief from potential arrest. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the legal proceedings progress and how these developments impact the political landscape.