May 9 cases: ATC summons JIT head for next hearing in Lahore

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has summoned the head of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) during the hearing of cases related to the events of May 9.

The court, led by Judge Arshad Javed, questioned the absence of the JIT chief and stressed the importance of his presence.

The court was hearing applications for interim bail in the May 9 cases.

Former federal ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Azam Swati, along with other accused, appeared in court.

Judge Javed stated that all interim bail applications would be heard collectively, raising concerns over the JIT's lack of representation.

Fawad Chaudhry, addressing the court, denied any connection to the May 9 incidents, stating, "I have no involvement in the events of May 9. I was not part of any meeting related to a conspiracy on May 7. My tweets in May were regarding the potential consequences for the country if court rulings were not implemented."

Earlier yesterday, special Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi has postponed the hearing of 14 cases related to the May 9 incidents, including the attack on General Headquarters, until October 5.

The court also accepted exemption applications for several senior PTI leaders, including Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chaudhry, and Umar Ayub, among others. Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed’s applications for acquittal were also adjourned due to lack of evidence.

The postponement occurred due to the transfer of Judge Malik Ejaz Asif and the absence of a new judge.

PTI workers appeared in court, but hearings were shifted from Adiala Jail to the relevant court due to the judge's absence. Several leaders, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, were unable to attend as they remain in jail, while the court accepted exemption requests for others.