LAHORE, Oct 13: A Lahore High Court division bench on Thursday confirmed interim bail earlier allowed to PML-Q leader Ahad Malik’s daughter Ayesha Malik with an observation that granting bail would not affect investigation of the kidnap case registered against the petitioner.

Earlier, DIG Maj Mubasharullah (retired) presented his inquiry report and held Defence-A Station House Officer Attique Dogar and In-charge (investigation) Zulfiqar Ahmad guilty of misconduct.

He said in the court that both policemen gave undue favour to Filipino complainant of the kidnap case. The DIG informed the bench that the authorities had suspended both policemen.

Representing the complainant, Advocate Mian Aftab Farrukh said the inquiry report proved the incident of abduction.

The chief justice, however, said establishing kidnapping was not in terms of reference and the inquiry officer (DIG) was only required to inquire into the conduct of police officers who apparently arrested the petitioner in another case registered soon after she secured bail from a court of law in case under Section 365 of the PPC already registered against her.

The complainant’s counsel requested the court to entrust the case investigation to DIG Mubashar. The CJ turned down the request observing that it was the prerogative of police authorities.

The chief justice also snubbed Advocate Farrukh when he tried to discuss the past alleged misconduct of Ayesha and her political influence. The judge advised the counsel to keep politics out of court and concentrate on legal grounds of the case.

Advocate Azam Nazir Tarar argued on behalf of petitioner Ayesha and said political influence was used in registration of a fake kidnapping case against his client.

He alleged that male policemen subjected his client to severe torture during physical remand. He said life of his client was in danger as threats were being hurled at her. The counsel pointed out that an application was submitted to the Punjab inspector general of police in this regard but no action was taken so far.

At this the chief justice directed the IGP to act as per law on petitioner’s application and provide protection to her.

The bench confirmed the interim bail through a short verbal order and said that remaining issues would be addressed in the detailed order.

The bench was hearing petition of Ayesha Malik challenging her 10-day physical remand by an anti-terrorism court and insertion of section 365-A (kidnapping for ransom) of PPC in FIR with an intent to change the nature of case from an ordinary one to a terrorism case.

The CJ had already declared her physical remand illegal and ordered inquiry against the ATC judge.