ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad District and Sessions Court on Tuesday granted pre-arrest bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Alia Hamza in a case filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka granted the bail to Alia Hamza against surety bonds of Rs50,000. The court also reprimanded the prosecutor for citing irrelevant sections of the PECA.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor faced stern criticism from the court for presenting irrelevant references under PECA.
Judge Majoka questioned the applicability of Section 9, remarking, “Section 9 applies when there is evidence of a connection to a banned organization. Is there any proof that Alia Hamza interfered with state institutions?”
The prosecutor presented a video as evidence, but when questioned by the judge, admitted that no forensic analysis had been conducted on the footage. The prosecutor maintained that the transcript was available and argued that the case pertained to Sections 9 and 10 of PECA.
Judge Majoka, however, clarified that the charges presented aligned more with Section 24A of PECA, which deals with procedural matters and is silent on penalties.
The judge further noted, “Sections 9 and 10 do not apply in this case. If the prosecution has no relevant material under Section 24A, my order will be clear.”
Judge Afzal Majoka said that according to the prosecution’s case, Section XXIV(A) applies to Alia Hamza. Section XXIV(A) of the PECA is silent on the issue of punishment and your case also becomes the same. Sections IX and X does not apply against Alia, tell if you have anything else. If the prosecution has nothing regarding Section XXIV(A), then my order is clear.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court confirmed Alia Hamza’s bail, against the surety bonds of Rs50,000.
