An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday extended the interim bail of PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi in several May-9 cases, including torching of the PML-N office and setting a container ablaze at Kalma Chowk.
ATC Judge Arshad Javed conducted the proceedings and granted an extension in five bail petitions until October 31, while directing the counsels to present arguments on the next hearing. Qureshi’s jail warrant papers were also submitted before the court.
Separately, Administrative Judge Manzer Ali Gill heard the Qureshi’s bail petitions in Jinnah House attack and Askari Tower attack cases and extended interim bail until October 6.
Earlier, Qureshi’s interim bails had been dismissed due to his arrest but were later restored on the orders of the Lahore High Court.
Meanwhile, ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill adjourned the hearing of post-arrest bail petitions filed by PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi in three cases linked to the May 9 riots.
The court postponed the hearing until September 23, directing the lawyers to present their arguments on the next date. Advocate Rana Muddasir Umar appeared on behalf of Qureshi. Qureshi has filed bail pleas in cases pertaining to the burning of police vehicles in Mughalpura, Zaman Park, and near Jinnah House.
Separately, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) issued arrest warrants for eight accused in connection with the May 9 riots. Judge Manzer Ali Gill conducted proceedings and ordered action against absconding suspects in two separate cases. The court issued arrest warrants for Khadija Shah in both the Jinnah House and Askari Tower attack cases. Warrants were also issued for Imran and Faiza Azmat in the Jinnah House attack case.
Similarly, Usman, Ahmad Mursaleen, Hamza Sohail, and Muhammad Khalid were declared as wanted in the Askari Tower attack case.
The court further initiated proceedings to declare Abdul Razzaq and Safdar as proclaimed offenders, ordering for issuance of public notices against them. Both men, nominated in the Jinnah House case, had failed to appear despite issuance of arrest warrants.