LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday reinstated the interim bails granted to Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in seven cases related to the May 9 riots – the day the deposed prime minister was arrested.
A two-member bench of the LHC, led by Justice Aalia Neelum, delivered the verdict on Imran Khan's petition challenging the cancellation of bail in these seven cases related to the May 9 events.
The Lahore High Court also directed the trial court to make a decision on Imran Khan's interim bail pleas. Imran Khan, already imprisoned in Adiala Jail in multiple cases, was arrested in the GHQ attack case linked to the May 9 riots on January 11.
This decision comes after an anti-terrorism court (ATC) had rejected petitions seeking an extension of bail for the deposed prime minister in seven cases, including the May 9 riots and the attack on Jinnah House.
ATC Judge Ijaz Ahmad Butar announced the verdict on August 11 of the previous year after considering arguments from both sides.
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Earlier, the federal government established a cabinet committee to investigate the incidents of May 9. The caretaker federal law and justice minister will serve as the convener of the committee, with other members including the ministers of interior, information, and human rights.
The committee can also include a new member to address any issues, as stated in the notification.
According to the terms of reference (TORs), the committee is tasked with examining the events leading up to the May 9, 2023 incidents to determine the identity and role of masterminds, planners, facilitators, and executors.
The committee will also analyze the causes and assign responsibility for these events, evaluating their immediate and long-term implications.
The May 9 violence saw widespread protests across Pakistan following Imran Khan's arrest, leading to clashes and agitated PTI party workers.
Army installations, including the Corps Commander's house in Lahore, were targeted during the protests. Imran Khan is named as the main accused in all the May 9 riots cases.
