Islamabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has confirmed the bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, in the judicial complex vandalism case.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over the case, with PTI lawyer Babar Awan and other lawyers present. PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Amjad Niazi, and Ali Nawaz Awan appeared before the court.
Babar Awan requested the court to issue a judgment on the bail pleas of the accused present, noting that some could not attend. Judge Tahir Abbas inquired about the whereabouts of Ali Amin Gandapur, an accused in the case. Gandapur’s lawyer, Raja Zahoor, informed the court that his client was occupied in Kurram due to a law and order situation and had filed for exemption from appearance.
Babar Awan also mentioned that Omar Ayub was scheduled to appear before a JIT in Lahore. Judge Sipra emphasized that all accused must be present for a simultaneous verdict on their pleas.
Awan argued that the accused have the right to bail upon surrendering to the court, according to Section 497. He added that the same court had accepted the bail pleas of PTI founder Imran Khan and Asad Umar under similar circumstances.
Judge Sipra asked for any judgments where bail pleas were not heard after the accused were declared absconders and directed the submission of such references to the court.
Babar Awan requested a postponement of the case hearing until September due to the commencement of court holidays. Consequently, the court adjourned the hearing until September 4, citing the absence of Ali Amin Gandapur.
