The anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Islamabad ordered the release of Manzoor Pashteen, the head of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), granting him bail in two cases of making speeches against the government institutions.

ATC judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain heard the bail application of Pashteen, who was arrested from Chaman earlier this month. During the hearing, Prosecutor Raja Naveed told the court that Pashteen made speeches against government institutions.

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However, Pashteen’s lawyer denied that his client made such speeches. He said that the case against Pashteen was politically-motivated. Later, the court granted bail against Rs30,000 surety bonds each in two cases.