The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench on Monday granted pre-arrest bail to former interior minister Sheikh Rashid in lieu of a surety bond of Rs0.1 million, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.   

Rasheed had been nominated in cases of blasphemy in 17 different cities of the country. 

Later, talking to the media outside the court, former interior minister said talks could only be held with the government if the latter announced the date for general elections. “Short of that, PTI Chairman Imran Khan will not talk to the government,” he stated categorically. 

At the same time, however, he prophesied that elections would be held in the country this year. 

Rasheed informed that Imran would announce the future course of action of his party after the budget.            

Reporter: Usman Javed Malik