ISLAMABAD: A local court on Saturday granted post-arrest bail to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Fatehullah Barki, who manhandled Khawar Fareed Maneka, former husband of Bushra Bibi, on the premises of Islamabad’s district courts.

Barki along with other lawyers belongings to PTI was nominated in the First Information Report registered for attacking and manhandling Maneka.

The FIR stated that PTI lawyers and some unknown individuals gathered outside the courtroom, shouting slogans.

When Khawar Manika exited the courtroom, PTI lawyer Advocate Barki allegedly threatened him, saying they would not let him live. Advocate Barki then punched Khawar Manika in the neck, followed by additional punches from Advocate Naeem Panjhota and Ijaz Buttar.

PTI lawyers reportedly stopped Khawar Manika and his associates, continuing to kick and punch them. They also attempted to seize a weapon from a police officer.

The PTI lawyers also assaulted police officers during the incident, it said.

Riasat Ali Azad, counsel for Barki, adopted before the additional district and sessions judge Tahir Abbas Sipra that the entire case was based on lies, as the private individuals involved in the scuffle were with Khawar Maneka, and the police were not even present at the scene.

He requested the court to review the video evidence. Judge Sipra stated that the court will review the video evidence, but questioned whether such behavior is allowed for common citizens in the courtroom. The judge then commented that lawyers and leaders need to teach their juniors. The judge finally granted Barki bail against surety of Rs50,000.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024