LHC reinstates Imran Khan’s interim bail in May 9 incidents

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) reinstated interim bails for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Tuesday in seven cases related to the May 9 riots, the day the deposed prime minister was arrested.

A LHC division bench head by Justice Aalia Neelum delivered the verdict after considering Imran Khan's petition challenging the cancellation of bail in seven cases connected to the May 9 events.

The LHC also directed the trial court to issue a verdict on Imran Khan's interim bail pleas.

Earlier, the federal government established a cabinet committee to investigate the incidents of May 9. The caretaker federal law and justice minister would lead the committee, with other members including ministers of interior, information, and human rights.

 The committee could also include a new member to address any issues, according to the notification.

The committee's terms of reference mandate an examination of the events leading up to the May 9, 2023 incidents to determine the identity and role of masterminds, planners, facilitators, and executors. It will also analyze the causes and assign responsibility for the events, evaluating both their immediate and long-term implications.

Violent clashes erupted nationwide after Imran Khan's arrest on May 9, 2023. Protests occurred in various cities, and PTI workers called on armed forces in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad to ensure law and order. Army installations, including the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore, were attacked during the protests by PTI workers. Imran Khan is named as the main accused in all the May 9 riots cases.

On January 11, Imran Khan, already detained in Adiala Jail in multiple cases, was arrested in the GHQ attack case related to the May 9 riots.

The decision followed rejection of bail extension petitions by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in seven cases, including the May 9 riots and the attack on Jinnah House.

 ATC Judge Ijaz Ahmad Butar announced the verdict on August 11 last year after hearing arguments from both sides.