Court Reserves Judgment on Imran Khan’s Bail Applications in 9 May Cases

Lahore: The Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has reserved its decision on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s bail applications in eight cases related to the events of 9 May. The court heard arguments from both parties during the proceedings, with the prosecution urging the rejection of the bail applications.
Judge Manzoor Ali Gill presided over the hearing, during which Imran Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, presented his arguments. Safdar stated that the public’s reaction to PTI’s leader’s statements had been exaggerated. He emphasized that Khan had faced over 240 cases and had received relief in numerous cases from lower courts. He further argued that Khan was not seeking discharge or case dismissal but merely a grant of bail, given that the former prime minister had been in custody for an extended period.
The defense lawyer also highlighted the difficulties of proving accusations and mentioned that some charges, including those against Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, had been leveled without sufficient evidence.
On the other hand, Special Prosecutor Rao Abdul Jabbar countered, asserting that the cases against Imran Khan involved charges of treason and attacks on sensitive state installations. He argued that the attacks on military sites and the incitement of violence through social media, including calls for “real jihad,” made it clear that Khan’s actions went beyond the scope of political protest.
Jabbar also pointed out that the attacks were specifically targeted at military sites and that several law enforcement officers had been martyred during the unrest. He argued that Khan, despite being in jail, was the mastermind behind the attacks, and urged the court to reject the bail applications.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its judgment on the matter. The decision will determine whether Imran Khan will be granted bail in these eight high-profile cases linked to the violence and unrest that took place on 9 May.