PTI Leader Alia Hamza Granted Bail in Rawalpindi Protest Case

Judicial Magistrate Qamar Abbas Tarar Overturns Remand Order; Release Imminent

Rawalpindi, Pakistan – Judicial Magistrate Qamar Abbas Tarar approved post-arrest bail for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Alia Hamza on Thursday, days after her detention in connection with a protest near Rawalpindi Airport. Hamza and five PTI workers were accused of blocking roads and threatening police during a party convention last week.

Case Background

• Incident: On Friday, police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Hamza and her associates for allegedly disrupting public order and intimidating officers during a PTI workers’ gathering near the airport.
• Initial Remand: A local court had ordered Hamza’s transfer to Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand, citing concerns over “potential evidence tampering.”

Bail Approval & Legal Battle

• Bail Conditions: Magistrate Tarar granted bail against a surety bond of PKR 100,000, dismissing claims of flight risk.
• Legal Defense: A high-profile legal team, including PTI founder’s counsel Muhammad Faisal Malik, argued that the charges were politically motivated and lacked substantive evidence.

Current Status

• Detention: Hamza remains held at Jhelum Jail pending completion of release formalities.
• Next Steps: Her lawyer confirmed, “The bail paperwork has been dispatched to Jhelum Jail. We expect her release within 24 hours.”

Political Context

The case highlights escalating tensions between PTI and authorities, with the party accusing state institutions of targeting its leaders through “fabricated cases.” Hamza’s bail marks a rare legal victory for PTI amid a crackdown on dissent following the May 9 protests.

Funeral Arrangements:
His funeral prayers will be held at the ISNA Mosque in Mississauga, followed by burial at Oakville Cemetery.

Condolences and Tributes:
Hassan’s contributions to diplomacy and regional collaboration have been widely acknowledged. Pakistani diplomatic circles and international stakeholders mourned his passing, recalling his dedication to fostering bilateral and multilateral ties.

Naeem ul Hassan’s demise marks the loss of a respected figure in South Asian diplomacy, remembered for his professionalism and commitment to public service.

Global leaders and colleagues have extended heartfelt condolences to his family, honoring his legacy of promoting peace and cooperation in the region.