Lahore Court
The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has rejected the bail applications of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in eight separate cases tied to the violent riots that took place on May 9.
The cases involve serious charges related to the arson attacks and damage to public property, including the assault on Jinnah House, the arson attack on the Shahdaman police station, and the burning of police vehicles at Rahat Bakery Chowk and Zaman Park.
These incidents occurred after Khan’s controversial arrest, which led to widespread protests across the country.
Judge Manzar Ali Gul, who had reserved judgment on the bail pleas, officially dismissed the applications, maintaining that Khan would not be granted bail in these cases.
Barrister Salman Safdar, Khan’s defense attorney, represented him during the proceedings. In his arguments, Safdar contended that the violent reactions following Imran Khan’s arrest were a misinterpretation of his public statements and actions.
The lawyer stressed the political nature of the cases, attempting to distance Khan from the violence that followed his arrest.
Safdar also pointed out his extensive legal history with Imran Khan, having represented the former prime minister in over 240 cases across a broad spectrum of charges.
The defense lawyer emphasized that Khan had received relief in many cases, including the highly publicized cipher case, which was taken up by the Supreme Court.
He added that in nearly 30 cases, Khan had received favorable judgments, with at least 25 of those judgments being readily available for the court’s review.
In his defense of Khan, Safdar criticized the government’s handling of the accusations, accusing officials of changing their narratives like “googlies” (unpredictable balls in cricket).
He also drew attention to the inclusion of Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, in 12 different cases, suggesting that accusations were being made easily, but proving them was another matter entirely.
Despite the defense’s arguments, the court upheld the decision to reject the bail applications, leaving Khan in custody as the legal proceedings surrounding the May 9 riots continue.
The decision has sparked debate over the judicial and political implications of these cases, with PTI supporters voicing concerns over the fairness of the legal process.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
