ATC grants Qureshi interim bail till Sept. 1

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Tuesday extended the bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi till September 1, in cases related to May 9 incident.

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ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the case while Qureshi accompanied by his counsel Ali Bukhari appeared before the court.

At the outset, prosecutor in the case objected over court granting relief to Shah Mahmood, saying, “he (Qureshi) is not innocent and the case against him is based on merit.”

Addressing the prosecutor, the ATC judge said the court would proceed according to the evidence produced before it.

The court also summoned record from two members of joint investigation team (JIT) probing the May 9 incident by next hearing of the case.

Talking to reporters outside the court, PTI vice chairman said the appointment of Anwarulhaq Kakar as caretaker prime minister was not a decision made by Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

“Instead, both parties wanted to appoint former Baluchistan chief minister Dr. Abdul Malik for the role,” said Qureshi.

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PTI vice chairman said his party expects Kakar to discharge his duties fairly, expressing hope for a neutral caretaker cabinet.

Qureshi said holding free and fair elections is critical to end the current political impasse.

He also demanded immediate release of PTI women activists being held up in different jails.