An anti-terrorism court in Lahore granted bail to two suspects in the Ichhra Bazaar incident on Tuesday.

The court ordered the accused, Malik Khurram Shahzad and Muhammad Ali Chand Butt, to furnish surety bonds of Rs100,000 each.

ATC Judge Arshad Javed heard the post-arrest bail petitions of the accused and announced the decision upon completion of arguments by the parties.

The petitioners’ counsel argued before the court that the charges levelled against his clients were “baseless and no evidence was available,” pleading with the court to grant bail to his clients. However, the prosecution opposed the bail petitions, adding that the accused displayed weapons at the crime scene and were found guilty during the investigations.

After hearing arguments from both parties, the court granted bail to the accused and ordered them to furnish surety bonds.

It is pertinent to mention that the incident took place in February and the Ichhra police had lodged an FIR against dozens of identified and unidentified suspects. The police stated that the accused had gathered a mob and not only harassed but also attempted to kill a woman for wearing an Arabic print dress, accusing her of disrespecting religion. The police further stated that they timely intervened and rescued the woman.

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir lauded the brave efforts of Gulberg Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi to rescue a woman from a violent mob.