ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has accepted the bail plea of Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman, head of Gwadar’s Haq Do Tehreek (HDT), ordering his release. Rehman had been in custody for over four months since his arrest on murder charges in January.
The SC bench, headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, granted bail against two surety bonds of Rs300,000. Rehman’s counsel argued that his client was arrested from the court premises and had been incarcerated since December 2022. The court rejected the prosecutor general’s request and granted bail to the HDT leader.
Background and Arrest
Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman, along with Naseeb Nosherwani and Hassan Murad, was arrested in January after a protest in Gwadar. Rehman was named in the FIR related to the death of a police constable during the protest. The FIR alleged that Rehman incited violence and provoked protesters to attack government vehicles.
The protests, led by HDT, had been ongoing for two months, demanding various issues, including reducing check posts, facilitating border trade, and ending deep-sea fish trawling near Gwadar.
Implications and Trial
The bail granted to Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman allows him temporary release pending trial. The trial will determine the facts of the case, including whether Rehman was involved in aiding and abetting the murder of the police constable.
Rehman’s counsel stated that his client’s movement focused on providing water to the people of Gwadar. The case will continue to unfold as the legal proceedings progress.
Impact and Protests
The arrest of HDT leader Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman had sparked protests in Gwadar. The demonstrators had been demanding several changes and reforms, including a reduction in check posts, easier border trade, and an end to deep-sea fish trawling near Gwadar.
The protests highlighted the grievances and concerns of the local community and drew attention to the issues they faced in the region.
As per the Supreme Court’s decision, Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman’s release on bail marks a significant development in the case.
The trial will provide further clarity on the charges against him, and the protests in Gwadar have brought attention to the demands of the local community, emphasizing the need for resolution and reforms in the region.
