Extension of Bail Granted to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Leaders in May 9 Riots Case

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has granted an extension of bail to Zain Hussain Qureshi, a leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), along with two sisters of the former PTI chief, in connection with the May 9 riots case. ATC Judge Arshad Javed in Lahore extended the bail of Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, and PTI leader Zain Qureshi until January 9 in the mentioned case.

Previously, on November 22, the anti-terrorism court in Lahore extended the interim bails of Imran Khan’s sisters in the May 9 arson and violence cases, extending them until December 9. During the recent court proceedings on Saturday, presided over by ATC admin judge Abhar Gul Khan, all three accused entered not-guilty pleas and chose to challenge the charges. The court set the next hearing for December 16, summoning prosecution witnesses for their statements.

On July 24, an anti-terrorism court took steps to begin the process of declaring 21 PTI leaders, including Aleema and Uzma, as absconders due to their non-cooperation with the investigation in the May 9 cases. The police informed the court that, despite being aware of their involvement, the PTI leaders did not comply with the investigation and are currently in hiding.

Furthermore, Qureshi is also sought by the police in connection with the May 9 riots case registered at the Cantt police station in Multan. The violent protests on May 9 erupted nationwide following the arrest of PTI’s chairman and former prime minister in the Toshakhana case at the Islamabad High Court, leading to the registration of the case at Sarwar Road police station in Lahore.

Widespread unrest ensued across Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister and PTI chief Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court. Protests spanned remote and major cities as party workers expressed agitation over their leader’s arrest, leading Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad to call in the armed forces to maintain law and order. During the protest, army installations and the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore were attacked. Notably, PTI Chairman Khan was arrested on August 5 from his Lahore residence following a five-year disqualification and a three-year prison term in the Toshakhana criminal case.