LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Monday dismissed post-arrest bail of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Lahore secretary general Awais Younas, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema and Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti in three separate cases related to attacks on police teams during Oct 5 protests.

Judge Arshad Javed announced the decision on the bail petition of Younas in a case registered by Masti Gate police.

Ms Cheema was denied bail in a case lodged by Islampura police, however, her bail petitions were allowed in two other cases of Lorry Adda and Masti Gate police stations.

The judge dismissed the bail plea of Bhatti in Masti Gate police case of violence.

However, the judge allowed bail to PTI leaders Nauman Majeed, Hammad Ali and 65 activists in cases lodged with three different police stations.

Separately, the judge adjourned the proceedings in four cases, including the Jinnah House and Askari Tower attacks, involving former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other leaders.

The suspects including fashion designer Khadija Shah, who had been released on bail, appeared in the court.

A request for a one-time exemption was filed on behalf of former MNA Aliya Hamza Malik, stating that she was out of town due to cases registered against her in Islamabad.

PTI social media activist Sanam Javed also skipped the hearing.

Police did not present the detained suspects, including Mr Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry and Mehmoodur Rasheed due to security reasons.

The judge adjourned the hearing till Oct 31.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024