Sheikh Rashid arrested after ATC rejects bail

RAWALPINDI: The chief of Awami Muslim League (AML) and former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was arrested from the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Rawalpindi, after his bail was rejected in a case related to the May 9 riots.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Rawalpindi Judge Malik Ijaz Asif, rejected the bail of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed here on Tuesday. The court had reserved judgment on the bail requests of 24 people, including three PTI candidates and Sheikh Rashid a day earlier.

Besides, ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif also approved interim bail for former deputy speaker of the Punjab Assembly Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and other PTI workers in cases linked to the riots. The AML chief’s lawyer, Advocate Sardar Abdul Razzaq, mentioned earlier that bail was confirmed in two cases, with the decision for the remaining 10 cases expected shortly. Interim bail was anticipated for the remaining cases due to similar allegations and evidence. He expressed confidence in the fairness and independence of the ATC judges.

During the proceedings, the public prosecutor told the court that the investigation was underway and sought more time. The court expressed its displeasure on not presenting the record of the cases and directed the authorities to complete the investigation and submit the record by the next date.

The former interior minister and his nephew were also present in the courtroom. When the prosecutors asked for more time, Rashid came to the rostrum, took out a pocket-sized copy of the Holy Quran and took an oath by saying: “I swear by Almighty Allah that I have nothing to do with the events of May 9.” The ATC judge remarked that it was not appropriate to give a statement on the Holy Quran in the court.

The counsel for the former interior minister adopted the stance that the prosecution had no evidence against his client.

“The names of Sheikh Rashid and Rashid Shafiq were included in these cases without any basis. So far the prosecution has sought time on four occasions but is not ready to present arguments. On every date, a new excuse is made,” Rashid’s counsel upheld.

Rashid and his nephew Rashid Shafique were implicated in 12 cases connected to the May 9 riots. Talking to media outside the Anti-terrorism Court here, Rashid said that he would contest the election from prison on the symbol of Inkpot and Pen if he was arrested. He said he went on meditation (chilla) for 40 days and rendered sacrifices but did not hold any press conference. Sheikh Rashid claimed that he would win with a majority from the two constituencies on February 8.