Islamabad (NNP) Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and defected member of PTI, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, has been granted bail today by Judge Abbas Shah at the District Judicial Complex, Islamabad. Ilyas was facing charges of traveling on an official passport in a private capacity under Section 6 of the Passport Act 1974.
Ilyas had previously been placed on a three-day physical remand, which concluded last Friday. Subsequently, he was sent on judicial remand. The hearing for his bail application was scheduled for Saturday; however, it was postponed because the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) failed to produce the necessary records in court.
During today’s proceedings, Advocate Sabir Malik, counsel for Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, argued that his client traveled to Saudi Arabia from April 17 to April 23, 2024, using an official passport valid until May 10, 2024. He highlighted that Ilyas, who was disqualified from his office on April 12, 2024, had 30 days to return the passport.
Malik further contended that Ilyas also held a valid Saudi Arabian Iqama, making the use of the official passport unnecessary for his travel. He emphasized that the passport had already been recovered by the FIA and the investigation was complete, eliminating the need for further detention.
The FIA prosecutor sought additional remand for further investigation. However, Judge Abbas Shah granted bail to Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on surety bonds of Rs. 100,000, noting that the alleged offense carries a maximum punishment of three years.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in the case, bringing temporary relief to the former prime minister amid ongoing legal proceedings.