Islamabad: Lahore High Court has scheduled for today the hearing of pleas against the rejection of interim bails in three cases to PTI’s founder, Imran Khan. The details reveal that two members’ bench will hear petitions filed by Barrister Salman Safdar, the counsel of Imran Khan.
Contents of the Petitions
The petitioners claim that ATC rejected his interim bail applications in three cases related to the 9th May riots. They maintain that the rejection of these bail applications was wrongful and request the court to grant them interim bail while canceling the trial court’s decision.
Background of the Cases
Imran Khan faces charges related to the burning and vandalism at Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and Shadman Police Station in Lahore. On July 6, the ATC rejected his bail applications after hearing arguments from both sides. The ATC judge, Khalid Arshad, issued a four-page written decision detailing the reasons for the rejection.
The Court’s Written Decision
The court’s decision stated that two government witnesses testified that a meeting took place on May 7 at Zaman Park. Where Imran Khan expressed concerns about his possible arrest on May 9 at the Islamabad High Court. The petitioners claim that ATC rejected his interim bail applications in three cases related to the 9th May riots. They maintain that the rejection of these bail applications was wrongful and request the court to grant them interim bail while canceling the trial court’s decision.
Prosecution’s Case Against Imran Khan
The prosecution presented transcripts of Imran Khan’s video messages. Arguing that he planned the May 9 incidents, and PTI’s top leadership agreed to the plan. The prosecution also claimed that they recovered modern devices used to forward messages and incite violence from Imran Khan.
Court’s Rationale
The court rejected the argument that the case against Imran Khan was politically motivated. The decision emphasized that criminal conspiracy can turn even a peaceful assembly into an act of terrorism. Inciting messages and subsequent attacks on army installations, Jinnah House and government buildings were classified as acts of terrorism. The court concluded that Imran Khan had lost his fundamental rights under the law by engaging in such activities.
Implications of the Decision
The decision stated that interim bail is a right for innocent individuals, not for those who conspired with PTI leadership against the state. It added that interim bail is not a right for someone who plotted to overthrow the government.
Today’s hearing at the Lahore High Court will determine whether the petitions are challenging. The rejection of Imran Khan’s interim bail applications will be accepted. Potentially influencing the legal battles faced by the former Prime Minister.
