LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Saturday extended interim pre-arrest bail of PTl Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and two sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan in cases related to last year`s October protests.

Mr Raja appeared before the court on expiry of his bail period, however Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan were absent. Their lawyer submitted an exemption request for one hearing, stating that both were out of the city.

The court accepted the request and extended the bail of the PTl leaders till April 12 in cases registered at Islampura, Lorry Adda, Masti Gate, and Shafiqabad police stations regarding alleged violence occurred during protests on Oct 5, 2024.

Separately, the court confirmed the pre-arrest bail of three other leaders of the PTl including Mr Raja and MPA Imtiaz Warraich in another case related to the Oct 5 protest and unrest.

During the hearing, the police informed the court that the investigation into the case had been completed and that Mr Raja and others were found guilty.

The court questioned the prosecution on what basis the accused persons were found guilty. The prosecutor responded that they were accused of inciting party workers.

However, when asked who witnessed them inciting violence, the prosecutor had no concrete answer.

The court confirmed their interim bail and directed them to submit surety bonds of Rs100,000 each.

The court also extended pre-arrest bail of MPAs Hafiz Farhat Abbas and Imtiaz Mehmood Sheikh till March 11 in cases related to the Askari Tower attack and burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House.

-Staff Reporter