ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday has granted bail and ordered the release of 42 accused individuals who were arrested during protests in the capital. These protests erupted in early March 2026 following reports of the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28.
The assassination of Ayotollah Khamenei triggeed massive anger that swept across Pakistan (especially in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and others) among all communities, leading to large-scale demonstrations, some near US diplomatic sites (e.g., embassy/consulates).
In Islamabad, protests turned violent in places — involving clashes with police, tear gas use, vandalism , property damage and attempts to approach restricted areas like the Diplomatic Enclave/Red Zone.
Police registered cases under anti-terrorism laws and other sections (at Secretariat police station/Thana Secretariat) against those involved in the unrest.
Authorities initially arrested around 48 people in connection with this specific case of vandalism and damage during the protests.
Earlier court hearings (around March 7–10, 2026) saw the ATC presided over by Judge Abu Al-Hassnat Muhammad Zulqurnain sending most (42) to judicial remand in jail after initial physical remand periods, while discharging a few others.
The ATC today approved their post-arrest bail applications, releasing them on personal surety bonds of Rs. 10,000 each, a relatively low amount, often used when the court finds no strong risk of absconding or further offense, setting them free but binding them to appear in court as required and follow any conditions.
