PESHAWAR, April 4: The high court on Monday dismissed the bail petition of two suspected militants charged with attacking the residence of veteran nationalist leader Afzal Khan Lala in Matta area of Swat.

A single bench comprising Justice Dost Muhammad Khan observed that keeping in view the evidence on record, the two petitioners, Sartaj and Jaffar Mir, did not deserve to be set free on bail.

According to the prosecution, several militants had attacked the residence and adjacent hujra of Afzal Khan Lala, a former federal minister, at Darushkhela village with heavy weaponry including rocket launchers and explosive devices, which left the premises badly damaged. However, no human casualty was reported.

The incident occurred on Aug 13, 2008, and an FIR was registered at Matta police station. The suspects were charged under section 7 of the Anti Terrorism Act and several sections of Pakistan Penal Code. At that time, the militants had occupied several areas in Swat district and they enjoyed a lot of influence there due to which the suspects could not be arrested. However, later on several persons including the petitioners were arrested for the offence. — Bureau Report

Opinion

Enter the deputy PM

Enter the deputy PM

Clearly, something has changed since for this step to have been taken and there are shifts in the balance of power within.

Editorial

All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...
Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...