PTI’s Aliya Hamza released from jail after over one year

LAHORE: Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Aliya Hamza Malik was released from Gujranwala district jail after more than more year in prison.

Aliya Hamza had been imprisoned since the May 9 protests last year which targeted army facilities. However, she has been granted bail in all cases related to these incidents.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) restrained authorities from arresting her in any new cases until Aug 29.

LHC judge Justice Ali Baqar Najafi presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Hamza Jamil Malik, Aliya Hamza’s husband, challenging the government’s failure to disclose the number and details of cases registered against her.

The Punjab government’s lawyer informed the court that there were two police cases against the former lawmaker.

Meanwhile, an assistant attorney general requested additional time to present a report on behalf of the federal government.

Justice Najafi granted this request and adjourned the hearing till Aug 29, restraining federal and provincial authorities from arresting Aliya Hamza in any new cases until the next hearing date.

Hamza’s counsel argued that despite bail being granted in all registered cases, Aliya Hamza was repeatedly re-arrested on new charges. He pointed out that the number of cases against her was unknown.

The judge had previously barred the government from transferring Hamza from Gujranwala jail. Upon her release, PTI workers greeted her with rose petals outside the jail.