ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday granted post-arrest bail to former senator Mushtaq Ahmad and 95 other people arrested in a case related to a protest over unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain approved the bail applications against surety bonds of Rs5,000 each.
The case was registered at Shalimar police station on July 31 under terrorism-related provisions.
According to the first information report (FIR), Mushtaq Ahmad led a crowd of around 400 to 500 people in Sector F-10, where he allegedly made “incendiary” speeches over loudspeakers, forced shops to close and chanted slogans against government institutions.
The FIR further alleged that the former senator led the protesters towards Sambal Road with the intention of marching to Main Jinnah Avenue and blocking roads.
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Public prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani appeared on behalf of the state. Defence lawyers Imran Shafiq and Razi Tahir represented Mushtaq Ahmad, while Sardar Bushik, Zahid Bashir Dar and Amina Ali appeared for the other accused.
Mushtaq Ahmad had earlier been granted three-day physical remand on August 3. The prosecution had sought a 30-day extension, arguing that further custody was required for investigation.
The court, however, granted bail to all 96 accused.
