The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to TV anchor Dr Shahid Masood in the Pakistan Television Corporation corruption case. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Manzoor Ahmed Malik and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood heard the bail application of TV anchor Dr Shahid Masood.
Justice Mazoor inquired from Additional Attorney General (AAG) Sajjid Ilyas Bhatti what the exact allegations against the petitioner are? He replied Dr Shahid had granted administrative and financial approval of Rs37 million to two companies, M/s Dean Creation and M/s International Sports Solution.
The judge questioned whether the petitioner or any of his relative had any partnership with the companies. The AAG replied in negative. Then Justice Manzoor further inquired whether there are allegations against the petitioner of taking illegal gratification. Sajjid Ilyas again replied in negative.
The bench was informed that the inquiry was initiated against Dr Shahid in August 2014 and completed on 15-12-2015. Justice Manzoor inquired from the investigation officer of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) what surfaced in investigation which was missing in inquiry. The court noted Dr Shahid's name was not in the interim challan, asking why it was included on 1st January, 2018.
The AAG told the court that the bail has been granted to other three accused of this case. The court allowing the appeal granted bail against the surety bonds of Rs0.5 million to the satisfaction of the trial court.
Dr Shahid's appeal states that he has been targeted as he is a "blunt" analyst and critic of government policies. He accused the FIA of harassing him and not being able to come up with any proof against him. The appeal further states that though the FIA had shut the case, it was reopened in 2015. "Suspects Kashif Rabbani, Fawad Shabbir and Roshan Gilani are all facing trial and have also started paying back the embezzled amount," it added.
According to the FIA, Dr Masood during his tenure as managing director and chairman of PTV was involved in the embezzlement of Rs37 million in acquiring Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) media rights in 2008. The agreement was allegedly carried out with fake companies - M/s Dean Creation and M/s International Sports Solution. The FIA claims that funds were also released, causing the loss of millions of rupees to PTV as the state-run television channel failed to acquire PCB media rights from 2008 to 2013.
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