Shahid Masood granted bail in PTV corruption case

Published January 28, 2019
The anchorperson stated in his appeal that he is a "blunt" analyst and critic of government policies, due to which he has been "a target of governmental institutions". ─ File photo
The anchorperson stated in his appeal that he is a "blunt" analyst and critic of government policies, due to which he has been "a target of governmental institutions". ─ File photo

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to anchorperson Shahid Masood against surety bonds worth Rs500,000 in a case pertaining to embezzlement of Rs38 million from state-run broadcaster Pakistan Television.

According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Dr Masood during his tenure as managing director and chairman of PTV was involved in the embezzlement of Rs37 million in acquiring Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) media rights in 2008.

The agreement was allegedly carried out with a fake company — M/s International Sports Solution (ISS). Investigators claim that funds were also released, causing the loss of millions of dollars to PTV as the state-run television channel failed to acquire PCB media rights from 2008 to 2013.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Manzoor Ahmed accepted Masood's bail application today.

The anchorperson stated in his appeal that he is a "blunt" analyst and critic of government policies, due to which he has been "a target of governmental institutions".

The plea noted that although the FIA had shut the case, it was reopened in 2015. "Suspects Kashif Rabbani, Fawad Shabbir and Roshan Gilani are all facing trial and have also started paying back the embezzled amount," the bail plea added.

The anchor accused the FIA of harassing him and not being able to come up with any proof against him.

Masood added that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had rejected his request for bail without examining the facts of the case as his name "was not mentioned in the first investigation report".

On December 23 last year, Masood was arrested from the premises of the IHC by the FIA after the court dismissed his petition.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.