The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted bail to 10 Chinese nationals arrested in connection with a call centre cybercrime case.
Justice Shahrukh Arjumand issued a five-page written order, directing each of the accused to submit a Rs500,000 surety bond and appear before the trial court at every hearing.
The court also imposed restrictions on the accused’s movement while the case proceedings continue.
Court Orders Rs500,000 Surety Bonds
Under the IHC’s order, each of the 10 accused must furnish a surety bond worth Rs500,000 to secure their release on bail.
The accused have also been directed to attend proceedings before the trial court at every hearing.
The bail order does not conclude the underlying cybercrime case, which will continue before the relevant trial court.
Accused Barred From Leaving Pakistan
The Islamabad High Court has also directed that the accused cannot leave Pakistan without prior permission from the trial court.
The restriction will remain applicable while the proceedings against them continue.
The court’s order therefore allows the accused to be released on bail while placing conditions on their appearance and travel.
Court Notes Lack of Specific Role
In its written order, the IHC observed that no specific role or clear act had been attributed to the accused in the case.
The court also noted that the prosecution had not presented specific electronic or independent evidence connecting the accused with the alleged offences.
According to the order, the prosecution failed to produce specific electronic evidence linking the accused to the alleged electronic fraud or transmission of obscene material.
The observations formed part of the court’s consideration while deciding the bail applications.
Cybercrime Case to Continue
The bail decision concerns the custody of the accused and does not amount to a final determination of the allegations against them.
The underlying case will continue before the trial court, where further proceedings and evidence will be considered.
The accused will remain bound by the conditions imposed by the IHC, including submitting the required surety bonds, appearing at every hearing and obtaining permission before leaving Pakistan.
The court’s written order provides the basis for their release while the legal proceedings continue.
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