Summary
- According to the police case, Mushtaq Ahmad allegedly led a gathering of around 400 to 500 protesters in Sector F-10.
- It also accused some protesters of throwing stones at police personnel.
- The FIR claimed that some protesters allegedly confronted police officers, took anti-riot helmets from personnel and issued threats.
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted post-arrest bail to former senator Mushtaq Ahmad and 95 other suspects arrested in connection with a case related to a protest over unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The court approved bail applications for all 96 suspects on Monday. Each accused was granted bail against a surety bond of Rs5,000.
The case was registered at Shalimar Police Station on July 31. The FIR included terrorism-related provisions.
According to the police case, Mushtaq Ahmad allegedly led a gathering of around 400 to 500 protesters in Sector F-10. He was accused of making speeches over loudspeakers and raising slogans against government institutions.
The FIR also alleged that protesters forced shops to close and later moved towards Sambal Road. They were reportedly planning to march towards Main Jinnah Avenue and block major roads.
Police said the district administration attempted to stop the gathering through loudspeaker announcements. Officials reportedly told the protesters that the demonstration was being held without the required no-objection certificate.
According to the FIR, the situation escalated later in the evening. The protesters allegedly blocked a main road near Shalimar Plaza at around 7:10pm.
The police case further alleged that a media DSNG vehicle and several private vehicles were damaged during the protest. It also accused some protesters of throwing stones at police personnel.
The FIR claimed that some protesters allegedly confronted police officers, took anti-riot helmets from personnel and issued threats.
Mushtaq Ahmad was previously handed over to police on a three-day physical remand on August 3. The prosecution had initially requested a 30-day remand.
Prosecutors had argued that investigators needed additional time to recover a vehicle and weapons allegedly linked to the case.
During Monday’s hearing, Advocate Imran Shafiq represented Mushtaq Ahmad and another suspect, Razi Tahir. Public Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani appeared for the prosecution.
Other suspects were represented by Sardar Bushik, Zahid Bashir Dar and Amina Ali.
After hearing arguments from both sides, ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain approved post-arrest bail for all 96 accused.
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