In recent developments, PTI leader Asad Umar was granted pre-arrest bail by a special court in Islamabad, established specifically to oversee cases under the Official Secrets Act. The bail was set with a surety bond of Rs100,000.
Upon exiting the court, Umar addressed the media, dismissing rumours about his arrest by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The speculations arose following registering a first information report (FIR) against PTI’s Chairman, Imran Khan, and senior leader, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, under the Official Secrets Act. The report also highlighted Umar as a potential associate for questioning.
A day prior, Qureshi was placed in FIA’s custody for four days. Meanwhile, in a separate event, the FIA interacted with Imran Khan at Attock jail, related to the Toshakhana case.
Arriving at the special court, Umar, accompanied by PTI lawyer Babar Awan, refuted the claims against him, emphasizing the FIR was lodged out of malice and without substantial basis. In a formal plea, he labelled the accusations as baseless attempts to malign and pressure him. Furthermore, he reassured his cooperation in the investigation and sought bail before any potential arrest.
Addressing the media later, Umar clarified, “The FIA never arrested me. My presence in court today is to secure pre-arrest bail. I’ve already assisted the investigation on two occasions.”
Regarding PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s conditions at Attock jail, Umar mentioned the judge’s acknowledgement of the concerns raised.
