Asad Umar refutes reports that he is joining the PPP.

After leaving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the wake of the May 9 riots, Umar has kept a low political presence.

Speaking to reporters outside of ATC, Asad Umar said he was disappointed by the erroneous rumors that were being circulated about him. He explicitly denied that he had joined the PPP following a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.

“There is no truth in these reports, and I can’t even imagine joining another political party,” the former PTI leader said.

He sarcastically suggested that fellow politician Fawad Chaudhry “calm down” his combative political remarks when questioned about Chaudhry’s recent return to politics.

In the meantime, the ATC Lahore summoned the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Legal) to attend the upcoming hearing in person and extended Umar’s temporary bail till November 19.

The judge asked Umar if he had participated with the investigation during the hearing, and his attorney attested to this. The investigating officers for the three cases, the police spokesperson noted, were not in court.

While the police denied his involvement, Asad Umar’s attorneys explained that their client had been before the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and that video footage was available.

In addition, his attorney stated that Umar had appeared in court three times in the last 14 months in connection with his continuous bail request.