Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has filed a plea seeking acquittal in the May 9 violence case, according to a report by Pakistan-based ARY News.
Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, appeared before the court to file the plea, which seeks Khan’s acquittal in connection with the May 9 violence. Judicial Magistrate Sohaib Bilal inquired about the number of cases registered against Khan and whether a challan (charge sheet) had been submitted in those cases.
Khan’s counsel informed the court that Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana case has been suspended, while sentences in other cases are still pending. The district and session court scheduled the hearing for arguments on the plea for May 15.
The May 9 violence erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan’s arrest on that day in 2023. PTI leaders and workers held protests in various cities, leading to clashes with law enforcement agencies. Khan has been named as the main accused in all cases related to the May 9 riots.
Earlier, Khan and PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi were granted bail in the May 9 violence case by the Anti-Terrorism Court. The court rejected the prosecution’s request for more time and granted bail to Khan in 12 cases and Qureshi in 13 cases.
The PTI has expressed satisfaction with the suspension of Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana case, calling it a victory against attempts to undermine the party and its leader. The party spokesperson emphasized PTI’s faith in the legal system and expressed hope for continued positive developments.
