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Khadija Shah released on bail in May 9 riots case

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  • Bail comes after court turns down physical remand plea.
  • Shah booked under Section 169 of the CrPC in murder case.
  • Shah was arrested on May 23 for complicity in riots.

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court in Quetta granted bail to fashion designer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter Khadija Shah on Thursday in a case pertaining to May 9 riots, The News reported on Friday.

After surrendering herself before Punjab police in Lahore on May 23 this year, the designer remained behind bars for months following allegations of her alleged complicity in fuelling the violent May 9 protests in the wake of PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case.

The court issued her release orders and rejected Quetta police plea for an extension in her physical remand weeks after she was taken in custody and brought to the city in a murder case on December 11. 

Shah was booked under Section 169 of the CrPC and was initially detained in Lahore. Following a three-day transit remand, the designer was brought to Quetta, where the judge approved her three-day physical remand. For seven days, she was held by the Quetta police for further probe into the May 9 riots.

Shah was particularly accused of involvement in the attack on military installations, specifically the Jinnah House where Corp Commander Lahore resided.

Shah is the daughter of Salman Shah, a former federal minister and Punjab cabinet member. She was known for her staunch support for Khan’s political party and was widely praised among PTI circles.

Shah’s counsel, Iqbal Shah, filed an application asking the police to present evidence to back their allegations in the case. If the police failed to do so, he added, his client should then be acquitted from the case.

More than a month ago on November 15, Shah — who had been named in four cases connected to the incident — was granted bail in the last of the four cases in which she was detained.

However, the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC), on November 17, issued detention orders for Shah for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance in connection with the May 9 incidents.

Section 3 of MPO allows the government to arrest and detain suspected persons. 

The May 9 protests led to the arrests of thousands of PTI workers and supporters across the country, with several leaders also parting ways with the party over the May 9 events.

Meanwhile, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, the PTI leader from Sialkot, has also been granted protective bail. He is likely to contest the poll from Sialkot again.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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