KARACHI, July 11: The Sindh High Court on Monday extended interim protective bail of sacked provincial revenue minister Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh till July 13 in a kidnapping for ransom case. Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh, also a central leader of Pakistan Muslim League, is named as one of co-accused along with absconding Agha Asghar, Nasir Mehmood, Mehmood Zakir, Mohammad Ashfaq and Ateeq Ahmed Siddiqui.

They are accused of kidnapping Umer Iqbal, 17, for ransom on June 28, 2003, from Qayumabad.

Mahfooz Ahmed is facing trial before an Anti-Terrorism Court in Karachi. The court has issued non-bailable warrants against the absconding accused.

Zafar Iqbal, complainant of the case alleged in the FIR lodged at Korangi police station on March 28 that the accused kidnapped his son from his house on directives of Imtiaz Sheikh and Ateeq Ahmed Siddiqui and threatened his wife to pay Rs1.5 million as ransom for his release.

Abductee was later released after payment of Rs700,000 at the residence of Imtiaz Sheikh in DHA, the complainant alleged.

Applicant’s counsel Raja Qureshi and Fareed Dayo sought further extension in protective bail of their client as relevant papers pertaining to the case could not be obtained yet.

SHC’s division bench, comprising Justice Ataur Rehman and Justice Mohammad Moosa K Leghari, granting the request of applicant’s counsel adjourned hearing till July 13.—PPI