The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday also dismissed the decision of the trial court to terminate the pre-arrest bails of PTI’s Chairman in nine cases based on non-pursuance.
A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri announced the verdict on the appeal of the PTI chairman. The court said the bail petitions would be considered pending, and the trial court would decide after hearing them again. The PTI’s legal team had challenged the verdict in IHC.
It may be mentioned here that the Additional District and Session Court dismissed the interim bail petitions of PTI’s head in six cases. At the same time, the Anti-Terrorism Court terminated three bail petitions due to non-pursuance after his arrest in the Toshakhana case. The cases were connected with the incidents of May 3, violation of section 144 and protests in the capital.
Meanwhile, the IHC reserved its verdict on the FIA petition seeking an in-camera hearing on the bail petition of chairman PTI in the cypher case. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the post-arrest bail plea of Chairman PTI and FIA’s claim for an in-camera hearing together.
Special Prosecutor FIA Shah Khawar Advocate adopted the stance that the trial of an accused under the Official Secrets Act could not be conducted openly. He said that the hearing on the bail petition could also be done in-camera as the prosecution had to present some sensitive material before the court. The prosecutor said an open hearing could affect diplomatic relations with some countries.
