PPP dissident leader Zulfiqar Mirza granted bail

An anti-terrorism court of Karachi granted bail to Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza on Rs. one lac bail money in all three cases registered against him.

Mirza had arrived  in the city earlier in the day and stated that he would accept the court’s decision even if he wouldn’t be granted bail. Stepping outside the court, Mirza addressed his followers briefly, who had gathered outside the court’s premises to express solidarity and support for the rebel PPP leader.

A tense situation built around the court premises when PPP supporters reached the venue and started shouting slogans in favor of the party’s co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. Mirza’s supporters and PPP workers both chanted slogans against each other but no unfortunate incident occurred and a clash was avoided.

Earlier in the day, whilst talking to media persons in Karachi, Mirza had said that he expected justice from the court and would accept the decision if not granted bail.

Zulfiqar Mirza said that in the past he remained underground for 12 years and can go into hiding again if required.

Mirza said that it was his legal right to go to the court for justice.

Stringent security measures have been taken including closure of the roads leading to the court premises.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, former speaker and the spouse of Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza, has said that the government will be held responsible if any thing happen to the estranged PPP leader.

FIR against Zulfiqar Mirza

Badin Police recently registered a FIR against Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza for forcefully closing the city and an attack on a police station.

The charges against him also included clause 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Moreover, section 324, 395, 427, 149, 148, 147 and 506 have also been included in the FIR against the former home minister of Sindh.

These clauses of the law apply to the offences including threatening, rioting, arson, violence, attempt to murder, robbery, damaging property and injuring people in attack.

The cases were registered on complaints of Additional SHO Wali Mohammad Chandio, Haji Taj Mohammad, Imtiaz Ali and others.