ATC issues detailed order in Imran bail case

Says prosecution has evidence to 'prove' its allegations that PTI founder instigated May 9 violence

LAHORE:

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has noted that the prosecution has audio-visual evidence to "prove" its allegations that former prime minister Imran Khan instigated and abetted what happened after his arrest on May 9, 2023 in a corruption case.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill on November 27 dismissed Imran's post arrest bail applications in eight May 9 cases. The court on Saturday issued a detailed order.

The order said the court is of the view that it is not an ordinary case of abetment, instigation or conspiracy as Imran has been the chairman/founder of the PTI and his speeches and directions are strictly followed by his workers and supporters.

As per record of the case, it said, Imran was nominated in an FIR with the allegation that he and senior PTI leaders hatched a conspiracy at his Zaman Park residence prior to his arrest.

It was decided that in case of Imran's arrest, all senior party leadership would instigate the general public and party workers to attack the state machinery as well as military installations across Pakistan. "[They also allegedly planned] to attack police officials [and] jam the state machinery by over[powering] the law enforcement agencies. [The] same directions and instigation were complied with not only by the other senior leadership but also the general worker and supporters."

"With regard to hatching the criminal conspiracy at Zaman Park, the statements of PWs [prosecution witnesses] under section 161 of CrPC [Code of Criminal Procedure] are also available on record.

"Moreover, the prosecution has also other audio-visual evidence to prove the instigation, abetment of the petitioner and of offence by other leadership and workers," it added.

At the last hearing, Imran's counsel Salman Safdar had argued that petitioner is nominated in three cases only whereas he was booked in all other cases on the basis of supplementary statements. He stated that in all cases the complainants are police officials and that the petitioner was arrested in a May 9 case on July 13, 2024 after his acquittal in Iddat Case and was nominated in cases on July 14.

He said the petitioner is politically victimized, claiming that the prosecution has different versions regarding abatement. He argued that the petitioner deserved bail as a matter of right.

Deputy Prosecutor General Muhammad Aazir vehemently opposed the bail application and made a prayer for its dismissal while arguing that petitioner was nominated in the FIR with a specific role.