ATC approves bail, Jamshed Dasti released

SARGODHA: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) approved on Monday bail for MNA Jamshed Dasti in a case registered against him for allegedly making an inflammatory speech.

Dasti was released later in the day following the completion of formalities.

The ATC set the bail at Rs100,000 and ordered the release of the federal lawmaker after completion of formalities.

A number of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers and supporters of Dasti's own party, Awami Raaj Party, were present outside the ATC and cheered the grant of bail.

The hearing was then adjourned till July 13.

The controversial speech case was registered against Dasti at the Civil Lines Police Station in his hometown of Muzaffargarh.

Dasti has already received bail in other cases against him.

The MNA was put behind bars by the Punjab Police on June 9 for forcibly opening a canal gate in Muzaffargarh on May 28, following which the irrigation department lodged a case against him.

He was later transferred to Multan Central Jail on judicial remand but obtained bail in that case.

Dasti is an elected member of the National Assembly from NA-178.