An anti-terrorism court has granted the pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in connection with four different cases.
The murder of Zille Shah, attack on police outside Zaman Park, burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, and a container at Kalma Chowk on May 9, 2023 were among those cases.
During the court proceedings, Special Prosecutor Rana Shakil argued that Imran Khan, a former prime minister, was the alleged mastermind and primary suspect behind the attacks on army installations that occurred on May 9.
Shakil contended that Khan had incited his supporters to carry out violent actions against both civil and army properties. To substantiate his claims, the prosecutor presented statements from witnesses before the court.
Judge Arshad Javed raised a crucial question regarding Khan’s alleged provocation through Twitter posts.
The prosecutor responded, asserting that Khan had been influencing his party workers to prepare for street protests against state institutions in the event of his arrest even before the legal proceedings began.
Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Imran Khan, vehemently denied all charges against his client.
Safdar argued that police stations, particularly Racecourse police station, had become a regular source of false cases targeting PTI leadership.
He specifically mentioned a fake case related to the death of Zille Shah, a PTI worker.
Safdar highlighted that the party’s peaceful protests were merely a response to the arrest of the ex-premier, who was in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) during the demonstrations.
He reminded the court that the trial court had previously granted pre-arrest bail to Khan based on merit, which was later revoked due to his non-appearance following a conviction in the Toshakhana case. Safdar urged the court to reaffirm Khan’s pre-arrest bail.
Ultimately, Judge Arshad Javed confirmed Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail in all four cases, instructing the petitioner to submit bail bonds amounting to Rs500,000 for each case.
The judge also extended Khan’s pre-arrest bail in cases related to attacks on Jinnah House, Shadman police station, and Askari Tower until March 7.
