The Anti-Terrorism Court of Lahore gave a reserved verdict on the bail applications of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan in 8 cases on May 9.
The anti-terrorism court in Lahore rejected the bails of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in the Jinnah House attack and May 9 eight cases. Judge Manzar Ali Gul gave a reserved verdict on the bails.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Manzar Ali Gul heard former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail pleas in 8 cases on May 9. Founding Chairman PTI’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar appeared in the court.
Founder PTI had filed bails in the Jinnah House attack, Shadman police station arson cases and the burning of police vehicles at Rahat Bakery Chowk and Zaman Park. Apart from this, founder PTI also filed bails in the Askari Tower attack and three other May 9 cases, which were rejected by the court.
Report of the hearing
Barrister Salman Safdar while arguing in the court said that the wrong reaction to the opinion of PTI founder came from the people. I have represented founder PTI in more than 240 cases. All kinds of cases were registered against one accused. There is no section under which a case has not been registered. Cypher’s case went to the Supreme Court, all others got relief from subordinate courts.
The lawyer said that in 30 cases decisions have been made against the government. I am placing before you about 25 decisions. The plaintiffs in each case are policemen. The government has thrown googly, leg break, off break second third. Sometimes they say that the conspiracy took place in this way, then they say that it did not take place in this way. Bushra Bibi was included in 12 cases that she was also involved in the conspiracy. It is easy to accuse and difficult to prove.
Barrister Salman Safdar said that I am not asking you for discharge or dismissal of the case. You cannot even provide these facilities. The accused has been in jail for a long time, I am asking the court for bail.
The lawyer argued that Pervez Musharraf’s medical records were presented, he had to leave the world to prove them true. After that everyone was convinced that all the medicals were correct. Judges have relayed PTI founder’s detention in NAB custody from May 9 to 12.
Later, Special Prosecutor Rao Abdul Jabbar said in his arguments that all the cases are of rebellion against the government and attack on sensitive installations. The judgments presented are not related to these cases. According to British law, the King is not impeachable. The accused is not a king. At the behest of the accused, 200 installations were attacked. It was said on social media that today is the day of real jihad. Indian TV channels also continued to run the same news.
The prosecutor added in the arguments that the general public is prohibited from visiting certain places in Kent. Everyone has a modern device that communicates location and messages. How PC Hotel, Awari Hotel or milk shop in Anarkali was not attacked. Military installations were attacked. The statue of Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed, who sacrificed his life for the safety of the country, was kicked. These wars and attacks continue even today. The ranger and the policeman were martyred, while the accused says that I am in jail.
While giving arguments in the court on behalf of the prosecution, it was further said that the accused was not in jail on May 7 when the conspiracy took place, the application of the accused should be dismissed.
Later, the court reserved its judgment after completing the arguments on the bail pleas of the prosecution and the accused’s counsel.
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What arguments did Imran Khan’s legal team make in their bail application?
## Interview with Legal Expert on Imran Khan’s Bail Rejection
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the recent bail rejection of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in relation to the May 9th violence in Lahore. To help us understand the legal complexities of this case, we have with us renowned legal expert and former public prosecutor, Alex Reed. Thank you for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Imran Khan’s lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, argued that the reaction to his client’s opinions sparked the violence and that Mr. Khan is facing an undue burden of multiple charges across various cases. Can you elaborate on the legal implications of these arguments?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. Mr. Safdar raises valid points about the sheer volume of cases filed against Mr. Khan, many of which seem interconnected. This tactic by the prosecution could be seen as an attempt to overwhelm the defence and potentially influence public perception.
However, the court ultimately focuses on the evidence presented in each individual case. Mr. Safdar’s argument about the reaction to Mr. Khan’s opinions, while potentially relevant to public discourse, may not directly exonerate him from legal responsibility if evidence links him to the incitement or organization of the violent acts.
**Host:** Mr. Safdar also emphasized that Khan has been behind bars for a considerable time and urged the court to consider this factor. How does the length of pre-trial detention influence a bail application?
**Alex Reed:** Pre-trial detention is a delicate balance. Courts must weigh the potential flight risk and threat to public safety posed by the accused against their right to liberty pending trial. Extended detention without a conviction can raise concerns about due process, particularly if the legal process is perceived as being unnecessarily protracted.
**Host:** The judge, Manzar Ali Gul, ultimately denied bail in all eight cases. What factors might have influenced this decision, and what are the next legal steps for Imran Khan and his legal team? [[1](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2512858/imran-khan-found-guilty-in-may-9-jinnah-house-attack-case-bail-cancelled)]
**Alex Reed:** While we don’t have access to the judge’s specific reasoning, it’s likely that the seriousness of the charges, the potential for further unrest, and possibly concerns regarding possible interference with the ongoing investigations played a role.
Mr. Khan’s team will likely appeal this decision to a higher court. They may also focus on challenging the validity of certain charges or seeking the separation of trials to address the complexities of so many interconnected cases.
**Host:** This is undoubtedly a complex and high-profile case that will continue to unfold. Thank you, Alex Reed, for sharing your expertise and insights on this developing legal battle.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
