ATC reserves judgment on confirmation of interim bail pleas of PTI founder in 3 cases

LAHORE: After hearing the arguments of counsels for the respondents Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore has reserved judgment on confirmation of interim bail of PTI founder Imran Khan in three cases of attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and the torching of Shadman Police station. The court remarked the decision will be announced on July 9. ATC Judge Khalid Arshad conducted the proceedings on the bail petitions of the PTI Saturday. Barrister Suleman Safdar counsel for Imran Khan appeared in the court and offered his arguments in support of confirmation of interim bail. The state counsel opposed the confirmation of interim bail. The court reserved judgment on completion of arguments of the counsels of the respondents. It is pertinent to mention here Lahore High Court (LHC) had ordered to decide the case of interim bail within 6 days. In four cases the ATC No 3 had confirmed the interim bail of PTI founder. Counsel for PTI Barrister Suleman Safdar argued the bail of PTI founder can be confirmed in sp ite of absence of PTI founder. We should thank for PTI founder that due to him several cases have come to open. The learned judge directed the subordinate staff of the court contact be made with Adiala jail for appearance through video link . The court staff said that contact is not being made with jail administration. The court inquired from state counsel if state counsel gives statement that the petitioner is in jail then we can hear the case ahead. Barrister Suleman Safdar got noted the telephone number of superintendent Adiala jail to the court's staff. The court adjourned the hearing for half an hour. On resumption of hearing state counsel informed the court superintendent Adiala jail has sent message PTI founder is in his jail. The court inquired if it is in the orders of the high court that attendance of PTI founder be marked in bail pleas through video link. I have to see PTI founder through video link for my satisfaction. The court made the print of message from Adiala jail superintendent par t of record. The counsel for the ;PTI founder said PTI founder is being subjected to political victimization. I have never seen in my life that cases in such large numbers have been instituted against one accused. Those who were chanting slogans against the institutions were not arrested. When this offence was committed the accused was under detention. How the cases were made. The judge while praising Suleman Safdar said your point is very forceful. Barrister Suleman Safdar said my client was saying a day before that he was going to observe hunger strike. Client is not going on hunger strike that he should be taken out of jail just now. Cases be not framed. But he is going to observe hunger strike that courts should provide justice. The courts should make decisions as per law. The state counsel opened his arguments against confirmation of interim, bail pleas of Imran Khan. He argued as per special branch report PTI founder issued directives for attacking civil and military installations in the event of h is arrest. The review of evidence will be made at the time of trial. There are our FIRs and statements that what conspiracy was planned was implemented. He said when this incident took place a video was released from twitter account of PTI that PTI founder is Quaid-e-Azam of PTI and he is Allama Iqbal as well for the real freedom of the people. Barrister Suleman Safdar while objecting to the arguments of the state counsel said you are saying this wrong. You have descended on personal matters. The court inquired is security report acceptable in court. The state counsel said the person who has worked out security report is ready to appear in the court as witness The court reserved judgment on bail ;pleas in three cases. Decision will be announced on July 9.