PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has approved the transit bail application of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat.He was directed to approach the relevant court by March 30.The case was heard by a single-member bench of Chief Justice SM Atique Shah.The petitioner Raja Basharat appeared in court along with his counsel Irfan Niazi.
The petitioner’s lawyer informed the court that multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against his client in Rawalpindi.He stated that Raja Basharat wishes to appear before the relevant courts but fears arrest, therefore, transit bail should be granted.
The chief justice remarked that the petitioner should approach the Lahore High Court and questioned how the PHC could grant transit bail. He suggested filing a quashment petition for annulment of FIRs there.
The counsel argued that there is no concept of quashment in Punjab and alleged political victimization, adding that the situation could not be fully explained in court.At this point, Raja Basharat told the court that he had served as law minister for 11 years and was informed by a sub-inspector that his name had been included in FIRs.
The chief justice responded that he should have introduced reforms during his tenure.The court approved the transit bail application until March 30 and directed the petitioner to appear before the relevant court.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Raja Basharat said that his son’s wedding is approaching and feared arrest if bail was not granted. He said he requested transit bail so he could appear before the relevant courts.
