Fashion designer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporter Khadija Shah was granted bail by an anti-terrorism court in Quetta on Thursday in connection to the May 9 riots, as reported by The News on Friday.
Hand in hand with her 6 year old after 7 rigorous months #KhadijaShah granted bail & secured release, heading to Lahore at the moment from Quetta.
The country needs to heal, collectively. InshaAllah pic.twitter.com/URrRPyFFPp— Meher Bokhari (@meherbokhari) December 28, 2023
After surrendering to Punjab police in Lahore on May 23, Shah, known for her strong support for PTI, had been in custody for months over allegations of her involvement in the violent protests following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case.
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The court released her and dismissed Quetta police’s request for an extension in her physical remand, weeks after her initial arrest in connection to a murder case on December 11.
Shah, accused of attacking military installations, including the Jinnah House where Corp Commander Lahore resided, was held for seven days by Quetta police for further investigation into the May 9 riots.
Daughter of former federal minister Salman Shah, Khadija Shah had been praised within PTI circles for her support of Imran Khan’s political party. Her counsel, Iqbal Shah, requested the police to provide evidence supporting their allegations, and if they failed to do so, urged for his client’s acquittal.
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Shah had been granted bail in the last of the four cases linked to the May 9 incidents more than a month ago, but was later issued detention orders under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance for 30 days on November 17.
The May 9 protests resulted in the arrests of numerous PTI workers and supporters nationwide, leading to several leaders parting ways with the party over the events. Additionally, PTI leader Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas from Sialkot has been granted protective bail and is expected to contest the upcoming polls from Sialkot again.