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Friday, October 4, 2024

Major win for PTI chief Imran Khan as court grants pre-arrest bail in May 9 cases

In the written judgment by Additional Sessions Judge Farrukh Farid, the court ruled that the prosecution must prove that the accused instigated the offense.

A district and sessions court in Islamabad has granted pre-arrest bail to PTI Chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in two cases related to May 9 events. This is a welcoming development for the PTI Chief.

According to the details, the sessions court granted bail to PTI Chief Imran Khan in two cases registered against him at the Shehzad Town Police Station. A four-page written order on the pre-arrest bail has been issued in both cases.

In the written judgment by Additional Sessions Judge Farrukh Farid, the court ruled that the prosecution must prove that the accused instigated the offense. The judge also emphasised that the provision concerning incitement or conspiracy has been subject to misinterpretation.

Read more: Unmasking Disinformation: The 9 May Attacks and its Impact on Pakistan

The written verdict stated that to establish abetment, a connection between the act and the commission of the crime must be proven, demonstrating that the offense occurred due to provocation.

The court added that the purpose of handing over the petitioner to the police would be nothing but “unnecessary humiliation”. It was written in the order that the pre-arrest bail was granted against the payment of surety bonds worth Rs 5,000.

The written verdict is being hailed by PTI leaders and members of Pakistan’s media fraternity.

 

On May 9th, violent protests were triggered in Pakistan after PTI Chief Imran Khan was sent to jail in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Clashes erupted between protestors and the police authorities which also resulted in attacks on state and military property, for instance, the GHQ.

In response, the government launched an intense crackdown against PTI, arresting its workers and senior leadership. The military’s top brass also vowed to deal with the rioters in the strongest possible terms by justice through trial under relevant laws of the country, including the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act.

While Imran Khan repeatedly distanced himself and his party from the May 9 attacks, the government named Imran Khan for instigating his followers to create the May 9 mayhem. On Friday, a special prosecutor also told an anti-terrorism court (ATC) that a joint investigation team had completed its job to the extent of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s role in the May 9 incidents and found him guilty of abetment and other charges.

Read more: Pak Army dismisses high ranking military officers over May 9 riots