In a recent development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, Imran Khan, in five terror cases, including the Jinnah House attack case. The decision was made by Judge Abhar Gul Khan of the special ATC after Imran Khan appeared before the court. The bail has been extended until August 8, providing temporary relief to the former prime minister.
During the hearing, special prosecutor Farhad Ali Shah informed the court that the police have concluded their investigation of Imran Khan and stated that the former premier has been found guilty based on the probe. However, despite the completion of the investigation, the court has yet to appoint a prosecutor, despite repeated orders to do so.
It is important to note that multiple cases have been registered against Imran Khan in various police stations of Lahore, including Sarwar Road, Gulbarga, and Shadman.
In a separate development, the ATC also granted interim bail extensions till August 8 to PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in three cases, including the Jinnah House and Askari Tower attack cases. The court has called for lawyers to present their arguments in these cases.
Similarly, the interim bail application of PTI leader Asad Umar in the Askari Tower arson and vandalism case was also heard at the ATC. The court ordered an investigation into Umar’s involvement in the Jinnah House case and requested records of other related cases for the next hearing. Asad Umar’s bail has been extended until August 8.
The incidents in question stem from an unprecedented show of vandalism allegedly carried out by protestors associated with the former ruling party. Public and private properties were vandalized, and significant attacks were made on the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps commander’s residence, known as the Jinnah House.
These violent events occurred shortly after the arrest of the PTI chairman in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, later renamed the £190 million National Crime Agency scandal, on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau, right from the premises of the Islamabad High Court.
Following the crackdown, several senior PTI leaders were arrested, and numerous members distanced themselves from the party.
As the court continues to extend interim bail to the PTI chief and other party leaders, the legal proceedings in these cases are gaining significance, sparking debates and discussions across the nation.