LAHORE - An-anti-terrorism court on Saturday accepted bail applications of 60 workers of Pakistan Awami Tehreek arrested on the charges of attacking police with stones during an anti-encroachment operation outside Minhaj-ul-Quran Secretariat in Model Town. The judge granted them bail on the condition of furnishing surety bonds. As the proceedings started, the lawyer of the accused workers argued that their arrest was a result of political victimisation by the Punjab govt. He said the police had failed to establish case against the arrested workers. The counsel requested the court to release the PAT workers on bail. A deputy public prosecutor, however, opposed the bail petitions and told the court that the workers were arrested from different areas of the city while carrying out terrorism activities.
Meanwhile, one-member judicial tribunal, comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najfi, summoned former law minister Rana Sanaullah, ex-principal secretary Dr Tauqir Shah and other top officials, while holding proceedings on the Minhaj tragedy.
As the proceedings began, the lawyers present there told the judge that the Punjab chief minister had removed Rana Sanaullha and Dr Tauqir Shah from their offices, which reflected their involvement in the operation against the workers of Pakistan Awami Tehreek. They also requested the tribunal to summon both Rana Sanullah and Dr Tauqir Shah. The judge summoned both of them on the next hearing fixed as June 23.
The tribunal also directed the home secretary to appear in person and submit his report on how the joint investigation team could be constituted to probe the tragedy which caused a big loss of lives and property in Model Town during the clash between police and PAT workers.
One of the participants told the tribunal that the victims of the incident had refused to receive the money announced by the government as compensation though they were in dire need. The judge directed the Punjab Bait-ul-Maal secretary to appear in person to inform the tribunal of the possibility of payment of any kind of compensation to the victims. The Punjab health secretary was also directed to appear in person with the autopsy reports of the deceased persons and those who were seriously injured in the incident. The Lahore DCO did not appear despite the tribunal’s direction to ensure his presence at all cost. The judge expressed serious concern over his absence and gave direction for his personal appearance along with reports.
The tribunal also directed the IGP to submit inquiry report on the said tragedy on daily basis and warned him that strict action would be taken in case he failed to do so. The proceedings were adjourned till June 23. A number of lawyers and citizens present there submitted their suggestions for fair and impartial inquiry.