PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday granted transit bail to Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub and Faisal Amin Gandapur, the brother of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, providing them protection from arrest until December 21.
The decision came during a hearing presided over by Justice Shakeel Ahmed, where the petitioners sought relief from multiple cases filed against them. Omar Ayub’s lawyer argued that, as an elected member of the National Assembly and opposition leader, Ayub had been unfairly targeted with numerous cases, including those in Islamabad.
Justice Shakeel Ahmed stressed the importance of resolving national issues through dialogue in parliament. He remarked, “This country is our first priority. The problems should be solved by sitting in the parliament.” He urged both the opposition and the government to work together to maintain peace, highlighting the impact of violence on the nation.
“When an unpleasant incident occurs, this country suffers. If a security person is injured, he is also a son of this country,” Justice Ahmed stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility of political leaders. He called on Omar Ayub to recognize the weight of his position and collaborate with the government to address the nation’s challenges.
After the court’s decision, Omar Ayub spoke to the media outside the PHC, condemning what he described as politically motivated cases against him. He revealed that multiple FIRs had been lodged, including charges as trivial as motorcycle theft. “I am the opposition leader, and yet I am being targeted with cases like motorcycle theft,” Ayub said, criticizing the government for its approach.
The transit bail will remain in effect until December 21, shielding both leaders from arrest as they navigate these legal challenges.
