ISLAMABAD: TV anchorperson and Pakistan Television (PTV) former chairman Dr Shahid Masood on Thursday escaped the premises of a special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after it rejected his application for a pre-arrest bail linked to his alleged involvement in embezzlement of Rs 38 million.
The accused anchor fled from the court before the decision was read, therefore, the FIA team present in the court could not arrest him after the decision was read. Raids to arrest Dr Masood are being conducted.
According to the prosecution, Dr Masood had signed an agreement with a fake company to negotiate PTV’s grant rights with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the coverage of matches played in Pakistan which resulted in PTV suffering great losses.
Special Judge Central Kamran Basharat Mufti rejected the anchorperson’s application for confirmation of his interim pre-arrest bail which he had obtained in June after the Islamabad District Court had issued non-bailable warrants for Dr Masood’s arrest on FIA’s request in June.
The judge further directed the authorities to arrest Dr Masood and present him before the court.
Lawyer Shah Khawar argued on behalf of Masood before the court. The former PTV chairman had left the court before the decision on his application was announced.
