An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ordered the release of several detained workers after police requested more time for identification parades.
ATC Judge Abu Al-Hasanat Zul-Qarnain discharged the workers from the cases during the hearing. The decision came after police sought additional time to complete the identification process.
The workers had been arrested in cases registered at Shalimar and Secretariat police stations in Islamabad. Their lawyers opposed the police request and raised concerns about the handling of the proceedings.
Lawyers Oppose Police Request for More Time
During the hearing, defence lawyers told the court that the workers had remained in custody for more than 40 days. They argued that police had repeatedly requested adjournments without completing the required identification parades.
The lawyers also claimed that authorities had failed to produce the detained workers during several hearings. They maintained that their clients were innocent and had been deliberately arrested.
Defence counsel further alleged that police could label individuals as PTI workers at their discretion. They urged the court to ensure compliance with its previous orders.
The lawyers argued that continued detention without progress in the proceedings was unjustified. They asked the court to consider the delay and the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
Following the hearing, the judge discharged the workers from the cases. The court’s decision cleared the way for their release in these matters, subject to any other legal grounds for detention.
Rawalpindi Court Cancels PTI Leaders’ Interim Bail
In a separate development, a Special Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi cancelled the interim bail of PTI leader Naeem Haider Panjutha and former MPA Fakhar Jahan.
The court took the decision because both individuals repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings. The cases concern political protests held in late 2024.
Panjutha faces two cases registered at Saddar Hasan Abdal Police Station. The court dismissed his interim bail applications after noting his repeated absence from proceedings.
Similarly, the court revoked Jahan’s interim bail in a case registered at Hazro Police Station. The case relates to the November 26 protests.
The court cited his continued non-appearance as the reason for cancelling the interim relief.
Remaining Protest Cases Adjourned
The Rawalpindi court also adjourned hearings in the remaining protest-related cases to a later date. Further proceedings will take place according to the court’s schedule.
The separate rulings involve different proceedings and legal circumstances. In Islamabad, the court discharged detained workers after police sought more time for identification parades.
In Rawalpindi, the court cancelled interim bail for two PTI figures because of repeated absences from hearings.
The release of the Islamabad workers remains subject to whether any other case or lawful order requires their detention. Meanwhile, the proceedings involving Panjutha and Jahan will continue through the relevant legal process.
In other news read more about: PTI Workers Released As Sindh Government Revokes MPO Detention Orders
