Suspected banned outfit members win bail

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court has confirmed the pre-arrest bail of two people, including a woman, in a case involving arson and rioting, while in a separate matter acquitting another man accused of working for a banned organisation.

ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain on Tuesday upheld the interim bail granted to Ruqayya Bibi and Kazim Ali. The court ordered both suspects to submit surety bonds of Rs100,000 each. The two appeared before the court during the hearing.

According to the prosecution, the case against them was registered at Nawab Town police station last year on charges related to arson and rioting. The defence told the court that both accused were innocent and sought confirmation of their interim bail, which the court allowed.

In another case heard by the same court, Muhammad Salman was acquitted in a trial over allegations that he had collected funds and distributed hate material on behalf of a banned organisation. Judge Malik Abid Hussain announced the verdict after the trial concluded, ruling that the prosecution had not proved the accusations against him. The case had been investigated by the Sheikhupura Counter-Terrorism Department, which had submitted the challan to the court. During the proceedings, defence counsel argued that the CTD's allegations were false and that the accused had no links with any banned outfit.