Sheikh Rashid is granted bail by the IHC in the Zardari statements case.

ISLAMABAD : Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, the leader of the Awami Muslim League (AML), was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday in a case involving claims that Asif Ali Zardari was involved in a murder conspiracy.

After hearing arguments from Islamabad Advocate General Jahangir Khan Jadoon and Barrister Salman Akram Raja, the attorney representing the former interior minister, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani read the decision that had been reserved earlier in the day. The AML director must present surety bonds totaling Rs. 50,000, under the court’s decision.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Peoples Party clashed when Sheikh Rashid made a remark that was carried on TV channels, according to Mr. Raja, who said there was no proof of this during the hearing (PPP).

The government attorney advised the AML-chief to speak out with additional care since he is a senior lawyer. Asif Zardari and his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said, had been publically humiliated by Sheikh Rashid.

At this point, Mr. Raja argued that the attorney general was making pointless arguments.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), according to a case investigation officer, provided details of Sheikh Rashid’s testimony to the court. He further said that Sheikh Rashid claimed to have learned of the alleged assassination plan against Asif Zardari from PTI Chairman Imran Khan. He said that the AML head was unable to back up his claims with facts.

According to the attorney general, the court might decide on Sheikh Rashid’s request for release provided he provides an assurance that he won’t do the same act again.

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After being refused by a judicial magistrate and the district and sessions courts, Mr. Ahmed filed a bail petition before the high court on February 10. Mr. Ahmed said that the prosecution brought against him was motivated by politics. According to him, a third party’s complaint led to the lawsuit being filed.
The seasoned politician requested bail in the matter, stating that he was prepared to present surety bonds.

Following the filing of a complaint against him at the Aabpara police station for allegedly accusing the PPP co-chairman of plotting a conspiracy to kill PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the Islamabad police detained the former interior minister on February 2. A judge authorised his two-day physical remand after his arrest, and he was then placed on judicial remand for 14 days.