ATC extends interim bail of Imran Khan in seven cases

Lahore: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore extended the former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf  chief Imran Khan's interim bail in seven cases including May 9 violence on Tuesday. 

The accused's plea for a one-day attendance exemption was likewise granted by the court.

The decision was made by Judge Ijaz Ahmad Buttar of the Anti-Terrorism Court.

The prosecution received notices from the court regarding the request to excuse the defendant from appearing until August 11th.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan's lawyer filed a plea for exempting the former prime minister from attendance on the grounds of filing an appeal against the sentence in the Islamabad High Court.

Imran Khan is accused of attacking Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and burning down the office of Pakistan Muslim League-N and Shadman police station.

According to the prosecution, the PTI head is involved in cases of killing a man namely Zile Shah, and throwing petrol bombs at police.

Earlier today, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Tuesday reserved the verdict on plea of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan for one day's attendance exemption plea in the cases of arson and vandalism in Jinnah House on May 09.

According to details, ATC heard the cases of arson and vandalism in Jinnah House. The decision was reserved on the request for exemption from attendance in the guarantees of Chairman PTI.

The petitioner's lawyer Salman Safdar said: “PTI chief has been arrested, we are filing an appeal in the court today and hoping that his punishment will be suspended for a week”.

The learned judge remarked that why are you so hopeful that the appeal will be fixed and the sentence suspended.

Salman Safdar said: “PTI chairman wants to appear, the situation is such that he cannot come”.

Lawyer Burhan Muazzam asked court to issue a protection order for the petitioner.

The judge asked: “What the government has to say about this”? Special Prosecutor Farhad Ali Shah said the law is very clear, you should reject his bail.

Barrister Salman Safdar added that Imran Khan will enjoy his freedom soon, he has been appearing in court regularly.