Islamabad: In a recent development concerning the cipher case, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act has granted pre-arrest bail to Asad Umar, a prominent leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), upon the submission of a Rs50,000 surety bond.
The Thursday hearing, presided over by Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, brought attention to the prosecution’s claim of insufficient evidence against Asad Umar.
In response, Asad Umar expressed his full willingness to cooperate with any investigative proceedings, despite the prosecution’s decision not to initiate an inquiry. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has declared that there is no current justification for arresting Asad Umar.
Judge Abul Hasnat has instructed the FIA to strictly adhere to established legal procedures and, in the event that an arrest becomes necessary in the future, to notify Asad Umar well in advance.
During the proceedings, Advocate Babar Awan, representing Asad Umar, urged the court to grant bail to his client, citing the lack of substantial evidence provided by the FIA.
Attempts by Assistant Special Prosecutors to delay the proceedings, including a request for a noon start, were declined by Judge Abul Hasnat, who emphasized the court’s commitment to a fair and timely process.
Asad Umar addressed the court, revealing that he had been twice summoned by the FIA, once in December of the previous year and more recently. He disclosed that he had cooperated in questioning sessions lasting one and two hours, following which the FIA cleared him of any involvement in the cipher case. Asad Umar asserted that he views the charges against him as a form of political victimization.
The judge has rejected the prosecution’s plea for an adjournment and has announced his intention to rule on the bail applications of Asad Umar, PTI Chairman, and Shah Mehmood Qureshi later in the day.
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