Imran named primary accused in May 9 riots

The special prosecutor has designated PTI founder Imran Khan as the primary accused in seven cases related to the May 9 riots and other incidents.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) proceeded with the hearing on Friday regarding Imran’s applications for interim bail.
Special Prosecutor Rana Shakeel, presenting arguments during the hearing, identified Imran Khan as the main accused in the PM House burning case.

Shakeel pointed to witness statements that allegedly link the PTI founder to incitement, claiming that the former prime minister had urged party leaders to set military installations ablaze.

Reading out witness statements in court, he highlighted the PTI founder's purported calls for people to take to the streets.
The court sought clarification on whether Imran Khan had used social media platforms to attack individuals opposing institutions, to which the special prosecutor responded affirmatively, citing numerous tweets and messages on Instagram.

It is noteworthy that the court has mandated Imran Khan's presence via video link from jail and has called for arguments from the founder's legal representatives.

The seven registered cases against the PTI founder chairman include charges related to Jinnah House and Askari Tower vandalism.

On August 11, 2023, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed Imran's pre-arrest bail due to his absence, resulting from his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Subsequently, in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated his bail petitions. The high court further instructed the trial court to reevaluate the bail petitions based on their merits.

These bail petitions pertain to various cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, the burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, an incident involving a container at Kalma Chowk, the murder of PTI activist Zile Shah, and an attack on police outside Zaman Park.

An anti-terrorism court (AT ) on Friday confirmed the pre-arrest bails of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan in four FIRs registered against him over his alleged involvement in the Zille Shah murder case, Zaman Park riots and arson cases.

The petitioner’s counsel argued before the court that their client had been implicated in fabricated and politically motivated cases, intended solely to demean and embarrass him, despite his lack of involvement in these allegations.

The counsel argued that there was no substantial evidence on record to establish his client's connection to the charges outlined in the FIRs. Urging the court, he requested bail for his client.

On the other hand, the prosecution vehemently contested the petitioner's counsel's account, asserting that there is ample evidence to substantiate the accused's involvement in these cases.

The law officer requested the court to dismiss the bail petitions.

The special prosecutor designated PTI founder Imran Khan as the primary accused in seven cases related to the May 9 riots and other incidents.
Special Prosecutor Rana Shakeel, presenting arguments during the hearing, identified Imran Khan as the main accused in the PM House burning case.

Shakeel pointed to witness statements that allegedly link the PTI founder to incitement, claiming that the former prime minister had urged party leaders to set military installations ablaze.

Reading out witness statements in court, he highlighted the PTI founder's purported calls for people to take to the streets.
The court sought clarification on whether Imran had used social media platforms to attack individuals opposing institutions, to which the special prosecutor responded affirmatively, citing numerous tweets and messages on Instagram.

However, the Judge ATC after hearing detailed arguments confirmed bail to the accused former prime minister Imran Khan in the aforementioned cases registered against him in Race Course, Naseerabad and Model Town police stations.

It is noteworthy that the court has mandated Imran Khan's presence via video link from jail and has called for arguments from the founder's legal representatives.

The seven registered cases against the PTI founder chairman include charges related to Jinnah House and Askari Tower vandalism.

On August 11, 2023, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed Imran's pre-arrest bail due to his absence, resulting from his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Subsequently, in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated his bail petitions. The high court further instructed the trial court to reevaluate the bail petitions based on their merits.

These bail petitions pertain to various cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, the burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, an incident involving a container at Kalma Chowk, the murder of PTI activist Zile Shah, and an attack on police outside Zaman Park.