TLP Leader Granted Protective Bail Over Blasphemy-Linked Murder Charges

Pir Umar Jan Sirhindi, a leader of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan, received a 10-day protective bail regarding the murder of Shahnawaz Kunbhar, accused of blasphemy. The Sindh High Court issued the bail, and the case continues with significant allegations and calls for a judicial inquiry. (ANI)

The Sindh High Court's Circuit Bench has granted Pir Umar Jan Sirhindi, a prominent leader of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a 10-day protective bail in connection with the murder of Shahnawaz Kunbhar, accused of blasphemy, according to Dawn. The court stipulated a surety bond of Rs 100,000 for the pre-arrest interim bail.

Speaking to the media after securing bail, Sirhindi claimed an impartial role during the violent protest in Umerkot, asserting that he attempted to mitigate the mob's actions against public and private properties. Despite his efforts to control the situation alongside senior police officials, Sirhindi lamented being implicated in Kunbhar's murder.

Ibrahim Kunbhar, a relative of the deceased, contended that Sirhindi and others conspired to murder Shahnawaz in police custody under the pretense of blasphemy. The court has issued notices to all parties involved and has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.

Reportedly, Shahnawaz was charged with blasphemy earlier this month, sparking violent protests led by Sirhindi in Umerkot, which forced police action. Shahnawaz was subsequently killed in what was described as a staged encounter, and his body, initially retrieved by his family, was allegedly seized and burned by Sirhindi and his associates.

Advocate Ali Palh, alongside others, has petitioned the court to place the involved police officers on the Exit Control List (ECL) and called for a judicial inquiry. The ECL is used by the Pakistani government to restrict travel for individuals deemed a threat to national security or involved in serious crimes.

At a press conference in Umerkot, religious leaders, including Pakistan Sunni Tehreek's Shahid Ghouri, demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the blasphemy case and its violent aftermath. They decried the extrajudicial killing and the burning of Shahnawaz's body as unjustifiable acts.

(With inputs from agencies.)