ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Dubai law enforcement agency on Friday released an accused in Shahbaz Bhatti murder case, sources close to the development told Dawn.

Ziaur Rehman was arrested there on the request of the interior ministry, the sources said, adding that he had proved his innocence before the Dubai authorities.

He said he was not present in Pakistan at the time of the incident and furnished documentary evidence to substantiate his claim.

Passport, record of Emirates Airlines and his CCTV grabs at different hotels in Dubai and other countries verify his innocence, the sources said.

As he has residence visa of Hong Kong, the authorities there also requested for Rehman’s release, they added.

Ziaur Rehman was released from Dubai Jail, but his passport was withheld and was directed to keep the police informed about his movement.

Advocate Aftab Khan, who had filed a petition on behalf of Rehman’s father in Islamabad High Court for his release, confirmed to Dawn that Rehman was released from Dubai Jail on Friday at around 4pm (Pakistan Standard Time).

Rehman is a native of Faisalabad and ran import and export business along with his three brothers, Advocate Aftab Khan added.