May 9 Riots Case
Judge Khalid Arshad of the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has granted post-arrest bail to seven individuals implicated in the Jinnah House vandalism case, a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the incident.
The court’s decision entails the release of the accused upon submission of surety bonds totaling Rs0.3 million.
Among those granted bail are individuals named Talha Mustafa, Mirzatahir, and Muhammad Abed. This decision follows the registration of the Jinnah House case by the Sarwar Road police station.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphatically reiterated the government’s uncompromising stance against negotiating with individuals implicated in the violence that erupted on May 9.
Speaking to the media at the Parliament House, Dar underscored the importance of negotiation and reconciliation in political matters but drew a clear boundary when it comes to actions perceived as hostile towards the state.
Dar emphasized the successful resolution of the 126-day sit-in staged by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in front of the Parliament House through dialogue, highlighting his commitment to peaceful negotiations in political conflicts.
However, he adamantly declared that acts of violence directed at key state institutions, including the GHQ and Jinnah House, on May 9 were tantamount to rebellion and cannot be pardoned.
His statements underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of state institutions.
Despite advocating for reconciliation in political discourse, Dar made it unequivocally clear that those who engage in violent acts against the state will not be afforded negotiation or compromise.
The decision by Judge Khalid Arshad to grant post-arrest bail to the accused in the Jinnah House vandalism case represents a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the incident.
It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the ongoing investigation and the broader political landscape in the aftermath of the May 9 violence.
