The anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday confirmed the pre-arrest bail of two individuals, including a woman, who are members of a banned organisation. The case involves charges of arson and rioting. ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain delivered the verdict, affirming the interim bail previously granted to Ruqayya Bibi and Kazim Ali. The court ordered each suspect to submit surety bonds of Rs100,000.
Court Proceedings and Defence Arguments
The suspects appeared before the court for the hearing. According to the prosecution, a case of arson and rioting was registered against them at Nawab Town police station last year. The defence argued that both suspects were innocent and requested the confirmation of their interim bail, which the court granted.
Acquittal in Separate Case
In a related matter, the same ATC acquitted Muhammad Salman in a case involving fund collection and distribution of hate literature on behalf of a banned organisation. Judge Malik Abid Hussain announced the acquittal after the trial concluded, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations against the accused.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was investigated by the Sheikhupura Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), which submitted the challan to the court. During the trial, the defence counsel asserted that the CTD's allegations were baseless and that the accused had no connection with any banned organisation. The court ruled in favour of the defence, leading to Salman's acquittal.
