Lahore – In a recent development, an antiterrorism court (ATC) refused to grant the Gulberg police additional physical remand of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, the Punjab president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Dr. Rashid was arrested in connection with the Askari Tower attack that took place during the riots on May 9.
Presenting Dr. Yasmin Rashid before the court after the expiration of her two-day physical remand, the investigating officer requested an extension of her remand for seven more days, citing ongoing investigations into the attack. The police’s motion was rejected by ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan, who also mandated that Dr. Rashid be placed in judicial detention until June 25. The judge further instructed the investigating officer to submit the challan, or formal charge sheet, within the stipulated time.
Simultaneously, the same judge denied the Sarwar Road police’s request for further physical remand of 12 women suspects in the Jinnah House attack case. Consequently, the 12 women were sent to jail on judicial remand, awaiting further legal proceedings.
In another related development, an antiterrorism court sought additional arguments regarding the post-arrest bail petitions of Dr. Yasmin Rashid and 33 other suspects implicated in the Shadman police station attack case. Advocate Mian Tabbasum presented arguments on behalf of Dr. Rashid, vehemently denying the charges leveled against her. The council emphasized that the petitioner was not present at the alleged occurrence and claimed that the police had implicated her in the case with malicious intent. Furthermore, the defense highlighted that Dr. Rashid is an elderly person who should not be detained indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned until June 14, allowing for further deliberations.
The denial of the police’s request for Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s remand signifies a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Askari Tower attack. It appears that the court was not convinced of the necessity for an extended remand, potentially indicating a lack of substantial evidence against Dr. Yasmeen. As the PTI Punjab president, Dr. Rashid holds a prominent position within the party, making this case of heightened public interest.
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The court’s decision to deny the police’s request for remand also raises questions about the credibility of the charges brought against Dr. Yasmin Rashid and the 12 women suspects involved in the Jinnah House attack. The defense’s assertion of mala fide intention on the part of the police in implicating Dr. Yasmin underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind these incidents.
The antiterrorism court‘s order for the investigating officer to submit the challan within the specified timeframe indicates the court’s commitment to expeditious legal proceedings. This move ensures that the case progresses promptly, allowing for timely scrutiny of the evidence and presenting a fair opportunity for the accused to defend themselves.
As the hearings continue, all eyes will be on the judicial proceedings surrounding the Askari Tower, Jinnah House, and Shadman police station attack cases. The court’s decisions and the subsequent actions taken by the prosecution and defense will determine the course of justice and shed light on the veracity of the allegations made against Dr. Yasmin Rashid and the other suspects involved.
