ISLAMABAD, March 26: The Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, on Friday ordered the release of Allama Sajid Naqvi, chief of Millat Jaferia Pakistan, and a central leader of MMA , who was arrested for alleged involvement in the murder of Maulana Azam Tariq.

Justice Sardar Aslam of LHC ordered the release of Allama Sajid Naqvi on the production of a surety bond worth Rs2 million to the satisfaction of the trial court.

Allama Sajid Naqvi, who is currently lodged in central jail Rawalpindi, is likely to be released on Saturday. Advocate Syed Muzahir Ali Akbar and Advocate Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi represented the Shia leader, and stated that Mr Naqvi had played no role in the murder of Maulana Azam Tariq, and the prosecution story about their client's involvement was totally concocted.

Maulana Alam Tariq, brother of the late Maulana Azam Tariq, opposed the grant of bail. Advocate Basharatullah Khan and Advocate Tariq Masud represented Maulana Alam Tariq. Assistant Advocate General Raja Saeed Akram represented the state.

According to the prosecution, on September 1, Allama Sajid Naqvi, while he was attending a meeting of MMA in Islamabad, came out of the meeting and talked to Sibtain Kazmi and Amanullah Sial during which the murder of Maulana Azam Tariq was planned.

The counsel stated that the prosecution story was totally concocted and his client was innocent. They said Allama Sajid Naqvi always worked for religious harmony in the country, and never involved himself in fanning sectarianism.