LHC to Hear Imran Khan’s Bail Petitions in May 9 Cases on April 10
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has scheduled a hearing for April 10 on post-arrest bail petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9 riots, including the attack on Jinnah House.
Key Details:
- A two-judge bench—comprising Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh—will hear the petitions.
- Investigating officers and special prosecutors have been directed to appear with complete case records.
- An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had previously denied bail to Khan in these cases on November 27, 2023.
Arguments in Petitions:
- No Direct Involvement: The pleas contend that the prosecution failed to prove Khan’s connection to the May 9 incidents.
- Political Victimization: Khan’s legal team argues he has been “falsely implicated” as part of a “well-orchestrated plan” to target him politically.
- Weak Allegations: The cases rely on “vague claims of abetment”, with no concrete evidence linking him to the violence.
- Prior Inconsistencies: The petitions highlight that similar allegations were previously dismissed due to contradictions in the investigation.
Relief Sought:
- The defense has urged the LHC to overturn the ATC’s decision and grant bail, citing lack of evidence and political bias.
Why This Matters:
- The hearing could set a legal precedent for other PTI leaders facing May 9-related cases.
- If bail is granted, it may ease Khan’s prolonged detention, though he remains entangled in multiple other cases.
- The proceedings will be closely watched amid ongoing political tensions between PTI and the establishment.
