PHC extends protective bail of PTI leaders

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday extended the protective bail of National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and lawmaker Faisal Amin Gandapur until February 16 and directed the federal and provincial governments to provide details of the cases registered against them.

A bench of the PHC comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Wiqar Ahmad heard the petition.Counsel for the petitioners, Alam Khan Adenzai, told the court that the details of the cases against his clients had not yet been provided. He said that his clients wished to appear before the relevant courts but fear they might be arrested before doing so.

Assistant Attorney General Daulat Khan argued that a similar petition by the petitioners had already been decided by the high court.The petitioners’ counsel sought protective bail for the new cases and the provision of details of cases.

Omar Ayub informed the court that he had been arrested in Adiala Jail, which the court later declared unlawful. He said that whenever granted bail, he had appeared before the relevant courts.

After arguments, the bench extended the petitioners’ protective bail until February 16 and issued notices to the federal and provincial governments to provide details of the registered cases.

Later, speaking to reporters, Omar Ayub said that it seemed the government was not interested in negotiations. “We are not going to approach anyone. If someone wants to negotiate, they can come; otherwise, we would not beg for it.”

He added, “We are not afraid of anyone. The negotiation committee has been formed by the PTI founder.”The opposition leader questioned the prolonged hearing in the Al-Qadir Trust case, saying, “The court’s time is until 3 or 4pm; why did the hearing continue for so long?”He also alleged that PTI workers were being kept in overcrowded jails and said that they cannot be intimidated through repressive tactics.