May 9 accused declared proclaimed offenders
Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan throw stones after police fire tear gas to disperse them in Lahore on May 9, 2023.—File photo
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has declared PTI’s 10 former and present leaders proclaimed offenders, including Hammad Azhar and Mian Aslam Iqbal, in a case registered against them in response to May 9 riots.
Despite repeated notices, the suspects including PTI former leaders Musarat Jamshed Cheema, Jamshed Cheema and others did not turn up before the court to face their trial.
They had been allegedly responsible for creating law and order situation and involved in arson attacks following the arrest of former premier Imran Khan on May 9.
Read 15 granted bail in May 9 vandalism case
Subsequently, the ATC judge initiated proceedings under relevant law and declared the accused proclaimed offenders.
It is worth mentioning that an FIR had been registered against them in Model Town police station under different sections.
Meanwhile, an ATC in Lahore extended pre-arrest bail of PTI former secretary general Asad Umar and ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s sisters — Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan — in multiple cases related to the May 9 violence.