ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) here on Monday extended the pre-arrest bail of several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including former first lady Bushra Bibi and senior party leader Omar Ayub.

The bails were extended in connection with multiple cases related to the November 26 protest, demonstrations held outside the Supreme Court, and other political gatherings.

The proceedings were presided over by Judge Abual-Hasanat Muhammad Zulqarnain. During the hearing, prominent PTI figures such as Sher Afzal Marwat and former Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister Abdul Qayyum Niazi appeared before the court, while exemption applications filed on behalf of Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, and several other leaders were submitted and subsequently accepted.

The court not only approved all exemption requests but also directed the police to refrain from arresting the PTI leaders in the relevant cases until November 13. In total, more than 246 pre-arrest bail petitions of PTI leaders are currently pending adjudication before the court.

At this stage, the judge instructed both the prosecution and the defense to come prepared with their arguments at the next hearing, ensuring that the matters could be advanced in an orderly manner. The cases against PTI leaders have been registered at various police stations across Islamabad, including Ramna, Sangjani, Tarnol, and others.

The legal proceedings are part of a wider series of cases initiated against PTI leadership following political unrest and large-scale protests staged after the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Party officials maintain that the cases are politically motivated, whereas the government and law enforcement agencies argue they are necessary to ensure accountability and the rule of law.