ATC gives another blow to PTI Leader
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In Islamabad, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday denied former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's request for interim bail and an exemption from court appearance. This decision came in response to two cases against him at the Kahna police station, where he failed to appear. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain made this announcement after considering arguments from both sides.
Qureshi's counsel, Ali Bukhari, had submitted two separate pleas. One sought a day's exemption from court attendance, as his client was currently in jail due to a cypher case. The other requested an extension of Qureshi's interim bail.
During the hearing, the prosecutor urged the court to reject Qureshi's bail application, while Bukhari argued that Qureshi's absence was not intentional but due to court orders. Bukhari emphasized that he wasn't seeking extraordinary relief but only an exemption from attendance.
The prosecutor cited the Supreme Court's requirement for the accused to be present for bail before arrest. Qureshi's counsel stated that if his absence was intentional, then bail could be dismissed. The court reserved its decision after hearing both sides.
Ultimately, the court rejected Qureshi's interim bail application and dismissed the pleas for exemption and summon, citing the legal requirement for the accused to be present for bail before arrest. Shah Mahmood Qureshi remains in Adiala jail on judicial remand in the missing cypher case registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
