Peshawar Police Lines blast case: PHC rejects bail plea of alleged facilitator

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Saturday rejected the bail plea of an alleged facilitator Imtiaz alias Tora Shpa who was arrested in connection with the Peshawar Police Lines blast.

The court issued a four-page verdict, stating that the accused failed to prove his innocence.

According to the PHC ruling, the police lines blast claimed 86 lives and left nearly 250 people injured. The court noted that the accused was unable to justify his release under the given circumstances.

The defense counsel argued that the court had ordered the trial to be completed within 90 days, yet the prosecution failed to conclude it even after six months. The lawyer also pointed out that the accused was under 18 years of age.

However, the court’s decision highlighted that the accused was an Afghan national, and his family members were linked to a banned militant organization. Several of his relatives were reportedly killed while engaging in anti-state activities. The verdict further stated that releasing the accused could pose a risk of him re-engaging in such activities.

In light of these findings, the PHC dismissed the bail application, ruling that the accused would remain in custody until the trial was completed.