An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday approved post-arrest bail for 96 individuals, including former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad, who were detained in connection with a protest related to unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain authorized the bail applications, setting surety bonds of Rs5,000 each. The case originated from a protest held in Islamabad’s Sector F-10 on July 31 and was registered at the Shalimar Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other applicable laws.
Among those granted bail alongside Mushtaq Ahmad were Razi Tahir and several other accused. The judge personally heard the bail petitions of all 96 arrested protesters.
During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by Public Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani, while the defense was led by lawyers Sardar Bushik, Zahid Bashir Dar, Amina Ali, and Advocate Imran Shafiq, who specifically appeared for Mushtaq Ahmad and Razi Tahir. Notably, the judge commented on awaiting the Islamabad High Court’s developments and advised the legal teams to maintain punctuality.
The court ultimately accepted the bail requests for all the accused individuals.
The FIR lodged at Shalimar Police Station detailed that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad led approximately 400 to 500 protesters in Sector F-10 on July 31. It accused him of delivering provocative speeches via loudspeakers and stated that protesters compelled local shops to shut down. The complaint also mentioned slogans raised against current government institutions.
The FIR further described how Mushtaq directed the crowd towards Sambal Road with the intention of advancing to Jinnah Avenue Road to block traffic. Despite loudspeaker announcements from district administration warning the demonstration lacked a no-objection certificate (NOC) and requesting dispersal, the protesters continued their march.
The complaint alleged that the protesters obstructed a major road near Shalimar Plaza around 7:10 pm. It also accused some participants of damaging a media DSNG vehicle and other private property. Additionally, the protesters were said to have thrown stones at police personnel and assaulted officials present at the scene. Some reportedly snatched anti-riot helmets from police and threatened them. It is important to note these allegations have not been proven in court.
Earlier, on August 3, Mushtaq Ahmad was placed under a three-day physical remand by the police in connection with this case. The prosecution had requested a 30-day remand, citing the need to recover a vehicle and weapons allegedly linked to the incident, but the court limited it to three days. His remand was later extended on August 6.
With Monday’s ruling, Mushtaq Ahmad and the other 95 accused have now been granted post-arrest bail in the matter.
