An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday acquitted Muhammad Salman in a case involving allegations of collecting funds and distributing hate literature on behalf of a banned organisation, after the prosecution failed to prove the charges.
Verdict Announced
ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain announced the verdict upon completion of the trial, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the allegations against the accused. The case had been investigated by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Sheikhupura, which submitted the challan before the court. A case was registered against Muhammad Salman in 2025.
During the proceedings, defence counsel argued that the allegations levelled by the CTD were false and that the accused had no affiliation with any banned organisation. Muhammad Salman appeared before the court for the hearing. He had been charged with collecting donations and distributing hate literature allegedly on behalf of a banned organisation.
Pre-Arrest Bail Confirmed for Two Suspects
In a separate decision, the same ATC confirmed the pre-arrest bail of two members of a banned religious organisation, including a woman, in a case related to arson and rioting. Judge Abid Hussain announced the verdict, confirming the interim bail of Ruqayya Bibi and Kazim Ali. The court directed both suspects to furnish surety bonds of Rs100,000 each.
The accused appeared before the court to attend the hearing. According to the prosecution, a case was registered against the suspects at Nawab Town Police Station in 2025 in connection with arson and rioting. The defence maintained that both accused were innocent and requested the court to confirm their interim bail, which was subsequently granted.
