Zaman Park violence: Anchorperson remanded in police custody

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Friday remanded anchorperson Imran Riaz in five-day police custody in a case of violence outside Zaman Park residence of PTI founder Imran Khan.

Racecourse police presented the anchorperson, who was already on judicial remand in an alleged corruption case, before the court.

The investigation officer (IO) told the court that the suspect had been nominated in the case on the statements of the witnesses. He said the custody of the suspect was required for further investigation and photogrammetry test. The IO sought a 15-day remand of the anchorperson.

Judge Naveed Iqbal, however, allowed the physical remand for five days and directed the police to produce the suspect again on March 6.

Gets bail in corruption case

BAIL: A special court for anti-corruption on Friday allowed post-arrest bail to anchorperson Imran Riaz in a graft case about the contract of Dhrabi Lake in Chakwal.

Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq argued on behalf of the media person terming the case false and fabricated. He said the prosecution failed to furnish any evidence against the petitioner. He asked the court to release Imran Riaz on bail.

Deputy Prosecutor Abdul Samad opposed the petition and urged the court to deny bail to the suspect.

He said the suspect and his father secured a contract of Dhrabi Lake in Chakwal in connivance with government officials at a throwaway price.

Judge Safdar Ali Bhatti granted bail to the anchorperson subject to furnishing surety bonds of Rs100,000.

Mr Riaz, when presented before the court last week, rejected the allegations of the ACE saying he had obtained the contract for over Rs40 million, adding that the previous contract of the lake had been given for Rs10 million only.

He said the contract was secured some eight years ago and the ACE registered the case in 2021. He asked the court to inquire with the prosecution about the investigation made over the last three years.