Clearly dissociating himself from ‘estranged’ Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT), Nazir Ahmad Chohan, member of the JKT group, who was released on bail in a hate speech case on Wednesday, said Tareen used him for his own vested interests, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Chohan had been taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Cell on July 28 for making a hate speech against Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Accountability and Interior Shahzad Akbar.

“I did a lot for him, but he did not stand by me whenever I needed his help. Not once he inquired after me when I suffered a heart attack,” he regretted.

“And now when I have realised my mistake, I apologize to Prime Minister Imran Khan,” Chohan added.

He said he was thankful to the PTI seniors for taking up his issue at the earliest. "I have also words of praise for Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahzad Akbar who showed large heartedness. Who inquired after me on the telephone. And I am ashamed and apologize to Akbar and his family. Imran Khan has been my leader and will remain so.”

He said he had no issues with SAPM Akbar. “I had supported him (Tareen) because he had said he was being victimized despite his sacrifices for the party,” Chohan clarified.

“In fact, Tareen is not worthy to be called a leader,” he commented.

Earlier, on Wednesday a session court in Lahore accepted the bail application of PTI MPA Nazir Ahmed Chohan.

The court ordered the release of the detained MPA after he submits surety bonds worth Rs100,000.

The court accepted Mr Chohan’s bail application after submission of a declaration of settlement by his complainant Special Assistant to PM on Accountability and Interior forgiving Mr Chohan for questioning his faith.

Mr Akbar appointed Haroon Ilyas Advocate as his representative who submitted Mr Akbar’s declaration of settlement with Mr Chohan to the court.

Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Arshad Phularwan heard the case.

The court yesterday summoned Mr Akbar or his representative to the court for confirmation of the declaration of settlement in which Mr Akbar had forgiven Mr Chohan.

In his FIR against MPA Chohan, the SAPM accused the latter of questioning his faith and delivering a hate speech against him, putting his life and reputation in danger.

On Sunday, the arrested MPA extended his apology to SAPM Akbar by recording a video message of apology. He also made direct contact with Mr Akbar on the telephone and apologized for his statement.

Mr Chohan told Mr Akbar that he sought his forgiveness for his statement in which he called the latter Qadiyani. He only not apologized to the SAPM but also to his family.