Should be granted bail in the interest of Karachi: Waseem Akhtar

KARACHI: The imprisoned mayor of Pakistan’s largest city Waseem Akhtar said on Saturday that all his offences were bailable. He added that his bail should be granted in the interest of Karachi.

“If you think I have done something wrong, I should be granted opportunity for bail. I have appealed to both Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chief Justice Sindh High Court,” Akhtar told Geo News at the anti-terrorism court (ATC) where he appeared in connection with charges pertaining to the May 12 carnage.

Waseem Akhtar said it was possible that he made mistakes in the past but it was now time to move forward.  Akhtar added that he would also say this to DG Rangers who his elder.  

Waseem Akhtar also spoke about the arrest and release of MQM Pakistan leader Khawaja Izharul Hasan. According to Akhtar no one had the right to make fake cases, adding that 20 such cases had also been lodged against him in one day after he was elected.

The city’s mayor expressed confidence in the leadership of MQM Pakistan chief Farooq Sattar, adding that he was not under any political pressure to change political loyalties. He also disowned the anti-Pakistan statements of MQM founder.

Akhtar was arrested on July 19 on suspicion of sheltering and providing medical treatment to alleged militants and criminals. He also faces earlier charges of inciting riots. He was elected as the mayor of Karachi on August 24.