MANZOOR AHMAD MALIK, J.--- Impugned herein is the order dated 30.01.2019, whereby bail was refused to the petitioner by the learned Lahore High Court, Multan Bench, Multan in case FIR No. 168, dated 15.03.2015, offence under section 406, PPC, registered at P .S. Muzaf farabad, District Multan.
2. We have heard learned counsel for the petitioner , learned counsel for the compla inant as well as learned Deputy Prosecutor General at length and have perused the available record with their assistance.
3. Undisputedly petitioner was taken' into custody in this case on 21.05.2015 and so far trial has riot been concluded. Learned counsel' for the petitioner has stated at Bar that though petitioner is involved in a number of cases of similar nature, 'but in those cases either he has been granted bail or has been acquitted by the Concerned Courts. Case against the petitioner does not fall within the prohibitory clause of section 497, Code of Criminal Procedure. In such-like cases, grant of bail is a rule and refusal an exception.
4. For the foregoing, instant criminal petition is converted into an appeal and the same is hereby allowed. Appellant Sohail Ahmad is allowed bail (in the instant FIR) subject to his furnishing bail bond in the sum of Rs. 500,000/- (Rupees five hundred thousand) with one surety in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the trial Court.