Imran Khan Granted Bail in May 9 Riot Cases
An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has granted bail to Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in four cases related to the May 9 riots. The decision was made by ATC judge Arshad Javed. The Prosecutor General of Punjab, Farhad Ali, opposed the bail, claiming that Khan had instructed his supporters to attack state buildings if he were arrested.
Earlier, Imran Khan had approached the Islamabad High Court to prevent the transfer of these cases to military courts, filing a plea through his lawyer Aziz Karamat Bhandari. He named several officials and the federal government as respondents, urging the court not to allow military court trials for these cases.
In a related development, the Anti-Terrorism Court acquitted 18 accused, including PTI workers, due to insufficient evidence. These individuals were accused of participating in protests in Landi Kotal, blocking roads, and damaging property on May 9.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration had previously suggested forming a judicial panel to investigate the May 9 riots, proposing that it be led by a judge from the Peshawar High Court. The arrest of Imran Khan on May 9 led to widespread protests and clashes across Pakistan, prompting the deployment of armed forces in several regions to maintain order.
Doubts Revealed
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous politician in Pakistan and the founder of a political party called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He was also the Prime Minister of Pakistan before.
Bail -: Bail is when a person who is arrested is allowed to go home until their court trial, usually by paying some money as a promise to return.
Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court -: This is a special court in Lahore, a city in Pakistan, that deals with cases related to terrorism and serious crimes.
May 9 riots -: These were violent protests that happened in Pakistan on May 9, after Imran Khan was arrested. People were angry and attacked some buildings.
Prosecutor General -: The Prosecutor General is a lawyer who represents the government in court and argues against people accused of crimes.
Military courts -: Military courts are special courts that deal with cases related to the military or national security, instead of regular courts.
Acquitted -: Acquitted means that a person was found not guilty of a crime in court, so they are free to go.
Deployment of armed forces -: This means that soldiers were sent out to help keep peace and order during the protests.