Rawalpindi police refute reports of firing on Judge Mohammad Bashir's vehicle

Rawalpindi police have dismissed claims of gunfire targeting the vehicle of accountability court Judge Muhammad Bashir, contradicting earlier media reports that suggested an attack following a hearing involving former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.

Judge Bashir is the longest-serving judge of the accountability court of Islamabad, who had convicted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in the Avenfield reference in 2018. The judge is also presiding over the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases against ex-premier Imran Khan.

A police spokesperson rebuffed the initial accounts as inaccurate, revealing that the alleged shooting incident was unrelated to the judge's convoy.

The spokesperson clarified that a man, identified as Shayan Zulfiqar, was apprehended for engaging in aerial firing while forcefully escorting his family near PAF Chowk. An argument ensued, leading the suspect to resort to firing shots, he added.

The spokesperson emphasised that Judge Bashir's vehicle had safely passed the location before the altercation and subsequent gunfire transpired.

The suspect is now in police custody at the Airport Police Station, with investigations under way delving into the incident.

Judge Bashir presides over high-profile cases necessitating in-camera proceedings at Adiala Jail, owing to significant security concerns.