Asad Qaiser Gets Interim Bail Till November 7 in Sangjani Case
ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday barred authorities from arresting senior PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser in the Sangjani protest case, granting the Asad Qaiser interim bail until November 7.
ATC judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain conducted the hearing and approved Qaiser’s application for interim bail. The judge also issued a notice to the prosecution, seeking its reply in the matter.
In a related development, the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad cancelled the arrest warrants issued earlier for the PTI leader. Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Azhar Nadeem cancelled the warrants as Qaiser appeared in the court along with his lawyer Ayesha Khalid. The court had earlier issued the arrest warrants after Qaiser did not attend a hearing.
Why the Asad Qaiser interim bail matters
The interim relief marks a significant turnaround for the former speaker. Just weeks ago, another ATC judge had refused him pre-arrest bail in the same case.
In late September, ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra dismissed Qaiser’s pre-arrest bail petition in the terrorism case registered in connection with the PTI’s Sangjani rally. The judge had observed that Qaiser last appeared before the court in February and rejected an exemption application filed on his behalf, noting it did not even carry his signature. The court subsequently dismissed the pre-arrest bail petition.
A terrorism case has been registered against the PTI leader at Sangjani police station in connection with the rally. The case is one of several legal matters PTI leaders are facing as the party’s confrontation with the government continues.
What happens next
With interim bail secured until November 7, Qaiser cannot be arrested in the Sangjani case until the court takes up the matter again. The prosecution has been asked to file its reply, and the court will then decide whether to confirm or withdraw the relief.
Qaiser’s legal troubles have continued in parallel with the PTI’s wider campaign against the government. The party’s leadership has faced a series of cases and detentions over the past year, even as the government and the opposition have made fresh noises about dialogue.
The PTI has also been grappling with internal fissures in recent days, with senior figures trading accusations as the party debates its future course. At the same time, efforts at mediation have continued, with MMA chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s offer to mediate between the government and the PTI still on the table. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has separately reached out to Fazl in a bid to break the deadlock.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Asad Qaiser granted interim bail?
The Islamabad ATC found merit in his application and granted interim bail until November 7, while issuing notice to the prosecution for its reply. It also barred authorities from arresting him in the Sangjani case in the meantime.
What was the Sangjani case?
A terrorism case was registered against Qaiser at Sangjani police station in connection with a PTI rally. His pre-arrest bail in the same case was dismissed by an ATC in September.
What did the District and Sessions Court do?
Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Azhar Nadeem cancelled the arrest warrants that had been issued against Qaiser after he appeared in court with his lawyer Ayesha Khalid.
