Sheikh Rashid released from jail

Sheikh Rashid, leader of the Awami Muslim League (AML), has been released from Adiala jail, after he was granted bail by an anti-terrorism court in the May 9 riots case.

Sheikh Rashid was detained following his involvement in May 9 vandalism case related to public disruption and political unrest.

The court, which also ordered the veteran politician’s release, issued its decision after judge Malik Ijaz Asif conducted the hearing of a bail plea filed by the AML chief, whose petition was approved for a surety bond of Rs200,000.

During the hearing of Sheikh Rashid’s plea, no one appeared in the court on behalf of the prosecution, while the veteran politico’s lawyers Sardar Abdul Razaq Khan and Sardar Shehbaz appeared in the court.

The senior politico was released from the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi following the court’s orders.

Talking to reporters after his release Sheikh Rashid said, “I was in jail, I don’t know what is happening in the country”.

This is my third “chilla”, he said adding that he did not even participate in the election campaign

Sheikh Rashid’s supporters have welcomed his release, while opponents continue to monitor developments closely.

Sheikh Rashid’s bail and subsequent release orders come after he lost the February 8 general elections in his coveted Rawalpindi constituency after contesting for the NA-56 seat.

Read more: May 9: Imran Khan, Qureshi granted bails in 25 cases