PHC grants transit bail to three ex-lawmakers of PTI

PESHAWAR: Three different benches of the Peshawar High Court have granted transit bail to former lawmakers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from Punjab and directed them to appear before their respective courts on scheduled dates.

A single bench of Justice Kamran Hayat heard the request for pre-arrest bail of Aasif Mehmood, a former member of the Punjab Assembly from the PTI. On the occasion, his lawyer informed the court that despite facing charges related to the events of May 9, including the Anti-Corruption and Counter-Terrorism Act and other serious crimes, his client has no connection to these cases.

He requested the court that although the petitioner wishes to appear before the courts, he fears being arrested before that. The lawyer explained to the court that his client had been in hiding for the past six months. However, he now wishes to participate in the upcoming elections, so he should be granted interim bail.

After hearing the arguments, the court accepted the request for interim bail until January 16 and directed him to submit a bail bond of one hundred thousand rupees. He was also instructed to appear before the relevant courts on January 16.

Similarly, Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal of the Peshawar High Court granted pre-arrest bail to Javed Iqbal, another member of the Punjab Assembly, until January 15.

The lawyer informed the court that his client is facing multiple cases, and he wishes to appear before the courts. However, he fears being arrested before his appearance. The court accepted the request for interim bail.

Justice Fazal Subhan approved pre-arrest bail for another former MPA from Punjab, Zahid Iqbal, until January 9 and asked him to appear before the respective court.