Sheikh Rashid is granted bail by the IHC in the Zardari statements case.

ISALAHABAD – In a case involving accusations of a murder conspiracy against former president Asif Ali Zardari, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday granted bail to Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, the head of the Awami Muslim League (AML).

After hearing arguments from Islamabad Advocate General Jahangir Khan Jadoon and counsel representing the former interior minister, Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani pronounced the decision that had been reserved earlier in the day. The AML director is required by the court to provide surety bonds totaling Rs. 50,000.

There was no proof that Sheikh Rashid’s comments led to conflict between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Peoples Party, according to Mr. Raja, who said during the hearing that his client made a statement that was carried on news channels (PPP).

The government attorney advised the AML head to use additional care when making remarks since he was a prominent politician. According to him, Asif Zardari and his son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were subjected to public abuse by Sheikh Rashid. Mr. Raja then argued that the attorney general was making unrelated points.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), according to an investigation officer in the case, provided information about Sheikh Rashid’s statement. The former interior minister also claimed to have learned of the alleged murder plot against Asif Zardari from PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the officer said. He said that the AML head was unable to support the claims with any proof.

The attorney general said that the court might decide on Sheikh Rashid’s bail request if he provided a promise to refrain from committing the crime again.

After being refused by a judicial magistrate, the district and sessions court, and Mr. Ahmed, a bail request was made on February 10 at the high court. Mr. Ahmed said that the charges brought against him was political in nature. He claimed that a third party’s complaint led to the registration of the lawsuit.

The seasoned politician appealed with the court to give him bail in the matter, saying he was prepared to present surety bonds.

After filing a complaint against him at the Aabpara police station for saying the PPP co-chairman had hatched a conspiracy to kill PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the former interior minister was detained by the Islamabad police on February 2. He was first placed on a two-day physical remand after being arrested, and then he was placed on a 14-day judicial detention.

Sheikh Rashid is given to the Murree police by an Islamabad court.

As a judge in Islamabad accepted his 14-day judicial detention in the Zaradri comments case, Sheikh Rashid is presently being held in the Adiala Prison.