Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) acting president MNA Makhdoom Javed Hashmi was released on parole on Monday to attend funeral of his niece and her spouse, who died in a plane crash. Hashmi's daughter MNA Maimoona Hashmi told Business Recorder they had been informed of the Punjab government's decision following his appeal in this context.
"We are awaiting his arrival before the funeral. He is being brought by road to the native town in heavy police escort," she said when asked at what time Hashmi was expected to reach Multan from Kot Lakhpat jail.
She said her cousin got married some three months back and she was planning to perform Umrah along with her spouse, who also died in the accident. They were coming to Lahore from Multan on board the PIA's Fokker plane, which crashed immediately after the takeoff, killing all 45 passengers on board.
Hashmi was arrested three years back in high treason case and jailed for 25 years. He vied for the prime ministerial slot against Shaukat Aziz, following clearance of his nomination papers. However, he was not released from captivity. Hashmi denies doing anything wrong.
Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) has been raising the issue of his imprisonment in and outside the parliament and filing applications, requesting the speaker to issue his production orders. He has penned a book: Haan mein baghee hoon (Yes, I am a rebel).