May 9 Case
LAHORE: Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, became the prime accused in 11 cases related to the May 9 riots, as per a challan submitted before an anti-terrorism court on Thursday.
These cases encompassed incidents of vandalism at various locations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower, Shadman Police Station, and Sherpao Bridge, occurring during nationwide protests following Imran’s arrest on May 9 by paramilitary Rangers.
The challan named Imran Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, along with other party leaders, including former Punjab governor Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, former provincial ministers Mian Mehmoodur Rashid and Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, fashion designer Khadija Shah, and Sanam Javed, as prime accused.
Imran Khan had been apprehended on May 9 at the Islamabad High Court while attending proceedings related to the Al-Qadir Trust case. His arrest triggered nationwide protests, leading to rioters attacking government and military installations and engaging in acts of vandalism.
In response, the government temporarily suspended internet and mobile services for four days, severely affecting information flow and disrupting economic activities. Subsequently, the authorities detained thousands of PTI leaders and workers, predominantly from Punjab.
The Supreme Court released Imran Khan on May 11 after declaring his arrest by the paramilitary force as unlawful. However, a local court arrested him again on August 5 due to a conviction in the Toshakhana case, effectively barring his participation in the upcoming general elections. Currently, he remains incarcerated with more than 150 pending cases against him.
Furthermore, the police also submitted a challan on Thursday related to an arson attack on Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi’s squad car.
